Training Programme for Cancer Care Specialists from BIMSTEC Countries Begins in Visakhapatnam
7th January, Mumbai/Visakhapatnam ( TGN ) – The second phase of a specialised cancer care training programme for BIMSTEC countries was formally launched at the Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre of the Tata Memorial Centre here. Organised in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the programme will provide training to 35 cancer care specialists from BIMSTEC member countries. The initiative highlights India’s growing role in regional health capacity building.
The programme was inaugurated on 5th January by C. S. R. Ram, Joint Secretary (BIMSTEC & SAARC), Ministry of External Affairs. In his address, he noted that cancer care professionals from BIMSTEC member countries—including Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Nepal—are participating in the training. Emphasising the rising incidence of cancer in the region and the unequal access to quality treatment, he underlined the importance of skill development and institutional capacity building.
In a statement, the MEA said, “This initiative by the Ministry of External Affairs towards capacity building in the region, with Indian expertise in critical areas of healthcare, was announced by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at the 6th BIMSTEC Summit. The four-week long training program is focused on the critical domains of cancer care in Onco-Pathology, Onco-Nursing, Palliative Medicine, Preventive Oncology and Radiation Oncology; and includes advanced hands-on workshops on cutting-edge diagnostic and therapeutic techniques. A total of 35 cancer care experts from BIMSTEC countries are participating in the program.”
The initiative aims to strengthen cancer care services across the Bay of Bengal region and enhance oncology capabilities through structured training and cooperation. Aligned with India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’, ‘Act East’ and ‘MAHASAGAR’ policies, the programme will further deepen health cooperation among BIMSTEC countries.
