Rohtak PGIMS trains 12 HCMS docs in cancer chemotherapy

In a significant move to strengthen cancer care at the grassroots, twelve doctors from the Haryana Civil Medical Services (HCMS) have completed a specialised two-month training programme in chemotherapy at Pt BD Sharma PGIMS, Rohtak.

The training aims to equip district-level civil hospital doctors with the skills needed to deliver safe and effective cancer treatment. Organised by the Departments of Radiation Oncology and Haemato-Oncology at PGIMS, the programme concluded on Tuesday, with the trained doctors now poised to offer specialised care to cancer patients across the state.

“This programme was designed to decentralise chemotherapy services and improve accessibility for patients in rural and semi-urban areas,” said Dr Ashok Chauhan, Dean of PGIMS and Head of Radiation Oncology. “With cancer cases on the rise, it is imperative we build a robust, skilled oncology workforce.”

The curriculum included modern chemotherapy protocols, drug safety, patient monitoring, side-effect management and supportive care. Alongside classroom learning, participants received hands-on training in chemotherapy wards, day care centres and outpatient oncology clinics.

Senior faculty members — including Dr Sudhir Atri (Nodal Officer), Dr Rajiv Atri, Dr Paramjeet Kaur, Dr Abhishek Soni, Dr Shailley, Dr Baljit Singh and Dr Agrima Mittal — delivered lectures on oncology basics and the management of chemotherapy complications.

PGIMS Director Dr SK Singhal praised the initiative and the dedication of the participants. “The war against cancer is not one that can be won alone. It requires the collective strength of medical expertise, cutting-edge technology, and, most importantly, human compassion,” he said.

Civil Surgeon Dr Ramesh Chander Arya stressed the importance of improving access through decentralised services. “Building a skilled oncology workforce is essential if we want to make quality cancer care accessible across all districts,” he said.