उपराज्यपाल, दिल्ली

• President, AOSBI, Dr. Niketa Chotai Ji,

• Vice President, AOSBI, Dr. Rasha Kamal Ji,

• General Secretary, AOSBI, Dr. Madhavi Chandra Ji,

• Distinguished office bearers, and members of the AOSBI, doctors, radiologists, healthcare professionals, delegates from India, and abroad

The theme of this Congress, “One Region, Many Voices: Advancing Breast Imaging, Across Asia and Ocean-ia,” reflects the spirit of scientific collaboration, that is essential to addressing, today’s healthcare challenges. Diseases do not recognise, national boundaries, and neither should knowledge, innovation or medical cooperation.

Cancer remains, one of the most significant, public health challenges of our time. Across the world, millions of families, are affected each year, making cancer, not only a medical concern, but also a social, emotional and economic challenge.

Addressing it requires, sustained investment, in healthcare infrastructure, scientific research, early diagnosis, skilled healthcare professionals and, above all, public awareness.

Among women, breast cancer has emerged, as one of the most common forms of cancer worldwide. Yet it is also an area, where timely detection, and appropriate treatment, can make a profound difference. Early diagnosis, not only improves survival rates, but also enhances, the quality of life for patients, and their families. This underlines the importance, of strengthening awareness, expanding access,

to screening and ensuring, that quality healthcare, reaches every section of society.

The Government of India, has consistently, placed increasing emphasis, on preventive healthcare, women’s health, and expanding access, to quality medical services.

As Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has rightly said, “Preventive healthcare, is the need of the hour.” This vision has inspired, a transformative shift, in India’s healthcare approach – from treating illness, to promoting wellness, through early diagnosis, timely interventions, and greater public awareness. In the fight against breast cancer,

this philosophy, assumes even greater significance, for early detection, not only saves lives but also preserves dignity, hope, and quality of life.

India today, is steadily emerging, as a global centre for healthcare, medical education, and biomedical research. Our doctors, scientists, and healthcare professionals, have earned international recognition, for their expertise, and commitment. Equally important is India’s growing contribution, to affordable and accessible, healthcare solutions, digital health technologies, and medical innovation.

The decision to host the inaugural Congress, of the Asian Ocean-ian Society, of Breast Imaging, in India reflects, this growing confidence, in our healthcare ecosystem. It also highlights India’s expanding role, in promoting international cooperation, in medical science, research, and capacity building.

Scientific conferences such as this, play a vital role, in advancing healthcare. They provide opportunities, to share best practices, encourage research, and collectively explore solutions, to emerging health challenges. All this ultimately,

benefits patients, by ensuring, that advances in science translate, into better outcomes.

As we strengthen our healthcare systems, we must also ensure, that quality cancer care, is accessible, and equitable. Every woman, irrespective of her socio-economic background or place of residence, should have access to timely diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and compassionate care. Public awareness, community participation, and stronger healthcare networks, will remain central, to achieving this objective.