In a significant move to enhance cancer treatment and care across Punjab, the Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital & Research Centre (HBCH&RC), Punjab, and the Government of Punjab have officially extended their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the hospital’s Sangrur campus. This renewal strengthens their ongoing collaboration to boost healthcare infrastructure and services for cancer patients statewide.
The MoU extension was signed in the presence of Shri Balbir Singh, Punjab’s Health Minister, and Dr Ashish Gulia, Director of HBCH&RC Punjab. Shri Madho Singh, Director (Administration) of the hospital, and Dr Anil Kumar, Director of Punjab Health System Corporation, represented their respective organizations in formalizing the agreement. Since their first partnership in 2015, this marks the third extension of the MoU under mutually agreed terms.
This collaboration continues Tata Memorial Centre’s (TMC) role, through HBCH&RC Punjab, in assuming administrative and operational control of the Sangrur cancer hospital.
The signing ceremony was graced by dignitaries including Sangrur MLA Narinder Kaur Bharaj, Deputy Commissioner Shri Sandeep Rishi, Dr S.D. Banavali (Director of Academics, TMC), Dr J.P. Aggrawal (HOD, Radiation Oncology, TMH), and Shri T. Anbumani (Ex-Chief Administrative Officer, TMC).
Expressing his vision, Dr Ashish Gulia said, “This renewed MoU reenergizes our mission to deliver holistic cancer care. It is a tribute to the dedication of our passionate team who have brought world-class cancer care to even rural patients. We sincerely thank the Punjab Government and leadership at Tata Memorial Centre and Department of Atomic Energy for their continued support. Together, we strive to uplift cancer care standards across North India.”
Health Minister Shri Balbir Singh highlighted Punjab’s progress in cancer treatment, stating, “There was a time when Punjab’s patients traveled to Bikaner for cancer care. Now, advanced treatment is accessible in multiple cities and medical colleges across the state. Patients from neighboring states like Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh also seek care here.”
He further emphasized the government’s commitment to healthcare accessibility: “Our farmers and rural citizens—who produce the grains, milk, and cotton we rely on—deserve equal access to healthcare. The Punjab Government will do everything possible to ensure improved access to quality care.”
Under the renewed MoU, Tata Memorial Centre will oversee all hospital operations including patient care, staff recruitment, financial management, and procurement of supplies. TMC will also lead public health initiatives such as cancer registries, awareness campaigns, and anti-tobacco drives. Technical support will be provided to formulate a comprehensive state palliative care policy and establish a strong palliative care network. Additionally, TMC plans to conduct medical education and training programs, foster research advancements, and build capacity among healthcare professionals.
The Punjab Government will support this partnership by funding state-of-the-art medical equipment including a new Linear Accelerator and MRI machines. Infrastructure improvements include constructing a new OPD block and expanding the patient guesthouse (Dharamshala), ensuring uninterrupted power, water, and supply of essential drugs and vaccines. They will also support the ‘Mukh Mantri Punjab Cancer Raahat Kosh Scheme’ through prepaid assistance, collaborate on public health data sharing for cancer registries, and enhance security with a dedicated 24/7 police outpost on hospital premises.
This partnership represents a major milestone in Punjab’s fight against cancer, combining Tata Memorial Centre’s specialized expertise with the state government’s resources and commitment. The collaboration aims to create a seamless, high-quality cancer care ecosystem, improving access and outcomes for patients throughout Punjab. Babushahi