The second phase of Specialised Training Programme in Cancer Care for BIMSTEC Countries has been formally launched at Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (HBCHRC), Visakhapatnam.
The programme brings together cancer-care professionals from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Nepal, reinforcing regional cooperation in healthcare.
Key Highlights
Programme Nature
- An intensive four-week onsite training programme under BIMSTEC’s health cooperation initiatives.
- Focuses on capacity building and skill development to address the rising cancer burden and unequal access to quality care in the region.
Participants
- 35 cancer-care professionals from BIMSTEC member countries.
- Multidisciplinary participation ensures cross-learning across oncology domains.
Training Domains Covered
- Onco-Pathology
- Onco-Nursing
- Palliative Medicine
- Preventive Oncology
- Radiation Oncology
Training Methodology
- Interactive lectures
- Clinical observerships
- Advanced hands-on workshops on cutting-edge diagnostic and therapeutic techniques
- Faculty-led mentorship for comprehensive clinical exposure
Future Roadmap
- Subsequent training programmes will be conducted at nine operational units of the Tata Memorial Centre across India.
- Programme aims to identify gaps and areas for future collaboration and joint research among BIMSTEC countries.
Strategic and Policy Significance
- The initiative aligns with India’s:
- Neighbourhood First Policy
- Act East Policy
- MAHASAGAR vision (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions)
- Strengthens regional health diplomacy and India’s role as a capacity-building partner in South and Southeast Asia.
- Encourages network creation among oncology professionals for long-term cooperation.
Why This Programme Matters
Rising Cancer Burden
- Cancer incidence is increasing across the BIMSTEC region.
- Significant disparities exist in access to diagnostics, treatment, and palliative care.
Capacity Building as a Solution
- Training healthcare professionals is critical for:
- Improving service quality
- Expanding early detection and prevention
- Strengthening palliative and supportive care
Regional Collaboration
- Shared learning helps build standardised and context-appropriate cancer care systems.
- Facilitates collaborative research and knowledge exchange.
Background
- The initiative was announced by the Prime Minister of India at the 6th BIMSTEC Summit.
- Implementing Agency: Tata Memorial Centre
- Supporting Ministry: Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)
- Phase I (July–August 2025):
- Trained 21 cancer-care professionals from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Nepal.
- Phase II builds on the success of the inaugural edition and expands regional participation.
About BIMSTEC
- Full form: Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation
- Established: 1997
- Members: 7 countries
- Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand
- Focus Areas:
- Trade & investment
- Transport & connectivity
- Energy
- Environment & climate change
- Public health
- People-to-people contact
- Significance:
- Bridges South Asia and Southeast Asia
- Key platform for India’s Act East and regional integration strategies