• Chhattisgarh Chief Minister inaugurates Cervical Cancer Elimination Programme at 4th BMC Chhattisgarh Cancer Conclave
• 500+ national and regional experts and 11 international faculty to explore patient-centric, evidence-based cancer care under the theme ‘Restoring Balance to Cancer Care’

Raipur/Balconagar, 19 September 2026: BALCO Medical Centre (BMC), a unit of Vedanta Medical Research Foundation and a leading cancer care institution in Central India, inaugurated the fourth edition of the BMC Chhattisgarh Cancer Conclave, bringing together leading oncologists, healthcare professionals, researchers and policymakers for a three-day conclave, being held from 18–20 September at Mayfair Lake Resort, Naya Raipur. The symposium also marked the launch of the Cervical Cancer Elimination Programme by Hon’ble Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, in the presence of Shri Shyam Bihari Jaiswal, Health Minister, Government of Chhattisgarh.

The initiative focused on amplifying state-level efforts to strengthening cervical cancer prevention and early detection at the grassroots, while contributing to India’s and WHO’s broader goal of cervical cancer elimination.

Speaking on the occasion, Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai said, “Cervical cancer is preventable and our resolve is to move from a Cervical Cancer-Free Chhattisgarh towards a Cervical Cancer-Free India. In this mission, BMC’s annual conclave will prove to be a milestone in the field of cancer care in the region.”

Shri Shyam Bihari Jaiswal, Health Minister, Government of Chhattisgarh further added, “It is encouraging to see leading oncologists and healthcare experts from across the country and the world come together in Raipur.”

Held under the theme ‘Restoring Balance to Cancer Care’, the conclave focused on Choosing Wisely in breast, gynaecological and genitourinary cancers. The theme reinforced the need to balance clinical innovation with evidence-based decision-making, patient-centric care, affordability, prevention and equitable access, while ensuring that advances in oncology translate into meaningful outcomes for patients.

Organised in collaboration with ecancer, Tata Memorial Centre and the National Cancer Grid, the conclave features more than 20 expert-led panel discussions, live surgical demonstrations and specialised hands-on workshops. The programme brought together over 500 national and international oncology experts, public health professionals, researchers and healthcare practitioners to exchange clinical knowledge, discuss emerging evidence and strengthen multidisciplinary approaches to cancer care.

Recognising distinguished contributions to cancer care, BMC conferred the Vedavati Agarwal Oration Award on Dr Ravi Kannan for his contribution towards delivering sustainable and equitable cancer care and advancing quality healthcare practices. The Oration was instituted by Mrs Jyoti Agarwal, Chairperson, Vedanta Medical Research Foundation, in honour of the late Smt Vedavati Agarwal Ji, mother of Shri Anil Agarwal, Chairman, Vedanta. The oration reflects their shared vision of making quality and equitable cancer care accessible to all.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Bhawna Sirohi, Medical Director, BALCO Medical Centre, said, “At BALCO Medical Centre, we believe that cancer prevention is one of the most powerful ways to reduce the burden of the disease and geography should not determine access to quality cancer care. At BMC, our vision is to build a comprehensive cancer ecosystem in Central India where patients can access prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and supportive care closer to home. Focused on optimal care for women’s cancers, the 4th BMC Chhattisgarh Cancer Conclave highlighted strategic efforts toward a cervical cancer-free India. BMC is actively supporting government initiatives through HPV vaccination programs and accessible self-HPV testing screening methods. With the introduction of advanced interstitial brachytherapy, BMC stands out as one of India’s premier oncology centers capable of improving cure rates for advanced-stage cervical cancers by uniting clinical excellence, research, and public health strategies. Recognizing the cultural sensitivities surrounding women’s healthcare, the newly launched breast health clinic by BMC is managed exclusively by women oncologists. The initiative consciously addresses the preference of many local women to avoid male clinicians for breast and gynaecological evaluations. This specialized, all-female medical team ensures a supportive and private environment, encouraging higher screening rates.”

Highlighting the importance of locally relevant research, Dr Diwakar Pandey, Consultant Surgical Oncologist, BALCO Medical Centre, said, “Research plays a vital role in shaping effective and sustainable cancer care strategies. It is encouraging to see young oncologists increasingly engage in research that responds to the specific needs of their patients and communities. Such evidence can help develop prevention and treatment strategies that are clinically effective, cost-conscious and relevant to local contexts.”

The conclave also convened Women for Oncology (W4O), an all-women networking and mentorship platform aimed at fostering professional collaboration, mentorship and leadership among women in oncology.

Beyond its academic programme, BMC organised ‘Canvas for ‘A’ Life’, an art and heritage exhibition in support of the BMC Charitable Fund. The initiative seeks to support patients through gap funding for treatment, diagnostics and nutrition, while also extending assistance towards accommodation and logistics during treatment. The conclave concluded with a renewed emphasis on making preventive oncology a public health priority in the region.