BALCO Medical Centre concludes 2nd Chhattisgarh Cancer Conclave, expands world-class cancer care

New Delhi: BALCO Medical Centre, a part of Vedanta Medical Research Foundation, successfully wrapped up the 2nd Edition of the BMC Chhattisgarh Cancer Conclave. Held from September 20 to 22, the event brought together leading national and international oncology experts to address the critical challenges in cancer care. 

This year’s theme, “Common Sense Oncology (CSO) for outcomes that matter,” aimed to promote pragmatic, patient-centered cancer care, particularly in low-middle income countries (LMICs), where cost-effective solutions are crucial.

The conclave saw participation from seven internationally acclaimed oncology experts from London, Canada, New Zealand, Israel, USA, and Spain, along with India’s top oncologists. It offered a rich platform for knowledge exchange, live surgical demonstrations with augmented reality, and workshops aimed at enhancing cancer care skills. Key topics of discussion included ways to provide accessible, affordable, and high-quality cancer care.

The conclave also highlighted BALCO Medical Centre’s collaborations with ecancer, TATA Memorial Centre, and the National Cancer Grid to expand cancer care accessibility and affordability across India. 

Jyoti Agarwal, Chairperson of Vedanta Medical Research Foundation, shared, “Our aim is to raise the bar for cancer care by focusing on a holistic, patient-centered approach that goes beyond treating the disease. This Conclave reflects our belief in the power of collaboration to achieve better outcomes for patients.”

Dr. Enrique Soto, Editor-in-Chief of ecancer and Associate Director for Global Oncology at the University of Colorado Cancer Center, emphasized, “The focus on commercial interests and the absence of clear communication are complicating treatment decisions for both patients and clinicians. To rebalance our priorities, paradigm shifts are needed in education, communication, policy, research design and investment.”

He stressed, “We need to adopt solutions that are both cost-effective and of quality to make a real impact on cancer outcomes in low-middle income countries to ensure that cancer care is accessible irrespective of one’s financial capacity.”

BALCO Medical Centre’s Medical Director, Dr. Bhawna Sirohi, expressed her commitment to turning academic discussions into actionable improvements in cancer care. “This year’s Conclave attracted not only healthcare professionals but also researchers, patients, survivors, and advocates, making it a multi-dimensional platform for discussion,” Dr. Sirohi remarked.

Dr. Shailesh Shrikhande, Deputy Director of Tata Memorial Centre, praised BALCO Medical Centre’s surgical capabilities. “BMC’s facilities are at par with the leading cancer centers in the country. It is the only facility in the region equipped with eight surgical oncologists, five of whom hold MCh qualifications. The center’s operating theatres (OT) and infrastructure meet international standards, enabling it to deliver world-class surgical outcomes in this region,” he stated. 

The Nursing Conclave, a new addition this year, underscored the vital role of nurses in delivering high-quality cancer care. The 2nd edition conclave saw over 1,000 participants, including physicians, nurses, clinicians, researchers, patients, and survivors. The event underscored the need for collaboration across regions and sectors to improve cancer care. Through workshops and discussions, participants gained valuable insights into practical strategies for advancing oncology care at their respective institutions.