Chandigarh Journalists Association and Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre Host Workshop on Nuclear Technology's Role in Health, Environment, and Agriculture

New Chandigarh, August 2, 2024: The Chandigarh Journalists Association, in collaboration with the Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (HBCH&RC), New Chandigarh, hosted a workshop on the "Role of Nuclear Technology in Health, Environment, and Agriculture." Held on the HBCH&RC campus in New Chandigarh, Distt. Mohali, Punjab, the event drew journalists from Chandigarh, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Delhi, as well as students from Chitkara University. The workshop aimed to disseminate knowledge about the societal benefits of nuclear science.

The full-day workshop featured a session on urban waste management led by Dr. S. T. Mehetre, a distinguished expert from the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Department of Atomic Energy (DAE). Dr. Mehetre detailed the innovative applications of nuclear technologies in managing urban solid waste and wastewater, highlighting their role in effective waste management and agricultural practices. He also discussed advanced technologies developed at BARC for wastewater management, emphasizing their potential to significantly enhance environmental sustainability and public health.

Dr. Ashish Gulia, Director of HBCH&RC, inaugurated the workshop with an overview of Tata Memorial Centre's contributions to healthcare in Punjab. He highlighted the center’s mission to offer comprehensive health services, including affordable accommodation and free travel services for patients. Dr. Gulia also presented concerning statistics, noting that Sangrur has reported 37,610 cancer patients to date, with liver cancer being particularly prevalent due to factors such as alcohol consumption, polluted water, and unhealthy diets. He announced that the hospitals have treated 7,725 patients under the Ayushman Bharat scheme with ₹62 crore in funding and 7,985 patients under the Mukhya Mantri Rahat Kosh scheme with ₹42 crore in funding. Dr. Gulia emphasized the center's adoption of paperless, cashless facilities and the implementation of an Electronic Medical Record (EMR) portal, which improves efficiency and coordination across the institute.

Dr. Gulia also highlighted the hospital's community outreach efforts, noting that 1283 screening camps have been conducted to educate the public about cancer types and symptoms, significantly aiding in early detection and prevention. He stressed that cancer remains a major healthcare challenge, with an annual increase of 8% to 10% in new cases. He underscored the hospital's efforts to make treatment accessible by offering discounted medicines through direct purchases from manufacturers and assisting patients through various government schemes with the support of medical social workers.

The workshop also recognized the long-standing partnership between the Chandigarh Journalists Association and the NUJ (I) School of Journalism and Communication. Over the past three decades, in collaboration with the DAE, this partnership has organized numerous educational workshops. Notably, past programs included DAE experts addressing myths about atomic power, which contributed to Haryana's decision to establish an atomic power station now under construction in the Gorakhpur village of Fatehabad district.

This workshop underscored the significance of nuclear technology across various sectors and aimed to equip journalists with accurate information to better inform the public.

Available Schemes for Affordable Cancer Treatment
HBCH&RC offers a range of facilities under the following schemes:
•    Employees State Insurance Corporation (ESIC): Ensures affordable treatment for insured employees and their families.
•    Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS): Provides comprehensive healthcare to retired Armed Forces personnel and their dependents.
•    Northern Railways Health Scheme: Caters to the healthcare needs of Northern Railways employees.
•    Mukhya Mantri Punjab Cancer Rahat Kosh Scheme (MMPCRKS): Offers financial assistance to cancer patients in Punjab.
•    Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY): Extends healthcare coverage to economically vulnerable sections of society.
•    Patiala Locomotive Works (PLW): Facilitates access to cancer treatment for employees of PLW.
•    Sanjeev Like Beyond Cancer, Mumbai: Supports cancer patients in collaboration with charitable organizations.
Special Funds for Targeted Assistance
In addition to these schemes, the Department of Medical Social Workers at HBCH&RC manages various funds to support patients facing financial challenges:
•    Patient Welfare Fund: Dedicated to supporting cancer patients through the hospital.
•    V Care Fund: V Care Foundation provides emotional support and financial aid to cancer patients and caregivers. V Care is a voluntary organization committed to patient benefit.
•    Pediatric Cancer Fund: Offers financial aid for the treatment of children with cancer.
•    Women and Child Cancer Fund: Assists women and children in accessing necessary cancer care.
•    Zakat Fund: A charitable fund to support Muslim patients in need of financial assistance for their treatment.