THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR, DELHI
. Group CEO, IHH Healthcare, Dr. Prem Kumar Nair Ji,
. MD & CEO, Fortis Healthcare, Dr. Ashutosh Raghuvanshi Ji,
. Distinguished doctors, experts and members of the oncology fraternity,
The growing burden of cancer today places it among the most pressing public health challenges before us. It is no longer a concern confined to specialised clinical settings; it is a broader societal issue that touches families, communities, and healthcare systems at every level. Addressing it requires not only advanced treatment, but also early detection, awareness, and sustained public health engagement.
In this context, the theme of this Summit-"Beyond Evidence-Based Oncology: Redefining the Future of Cancer Care" is both timely and relevant. It reflects an important shift: from viewing cancer care solely through the lens of treatment, to understanding it as a continuum that includes prevention, diagnosis, therapy, survivorship, and palliative support.
Institutions such as Fortis Healthcare, supported by global networks like IHH Healthcare, play an important role in strengthening this continuum. Their work reflects how integrated healthcare systems combining clinical expertise, diagnostics, research, and patient-centred approaches can contribute to more reliable and accessible care. In a field as complex as oncology, trust in institutions becomes a critical factor, both for patients and for the wider healthcare ecosystem.
At the same time, the future of cancer care is being reshaped by rapid advancements in science and technology. Genomic medicine, artificial intelligence, and data-driven clinical decision-making are opening new possibilities for personalised and precise treatment. These developments hold significant promise. However, they also underline the need for careful and responsible integration ensuring that innovation is supported by strong governance, ethical standards, and equitable access.
Another important dimension is collaboration. Progress in oncology does not happen in isolation. It emerges from the combined efforts of clinicians, researchers, policymakers, industry, and academic institutions. International partnerships, in particular, have the potential to accelerate knowledge exchange and bring best practices to scale. India, with its growing healthcare capabilities and research base, is well positioned to contribute meaningfully to these global conversations.
As the national capital, Delhi has the capacity to serve as a platform where such collaborations can take shape. Forums like the Fortis Cancer Summit bring together diverse stakeholders, enabling dialogue that connects policy, science, and clinical practice. These interactions are essential for building solutions that are not only innovative, but also practical and implementable.
Equally important is the human dimension of care. While technology and infrastructure are vital, the effectiveness of any healthcare system ultimately depends on its people-doctors, nurses, caregivers, and support staff. Their skills, dedication, and empathy define the quality of care that patients experience. In oncology, where the journey is often long and demanding, compassion, dignity, and psychological support are as important as medical intervention.
As we look ahead, it is important to continue strengthening each of these elements-public awareness, institutional capacity, innovation, collaboration, and human-centred care. The challenge is complex, but so too is the collective expertise gathered here this evening.
I extend my best wishes for the success of this Summit and for the discussions that will follow. I am confident that the insights and ideas emerging from this platform will contribute meaningfully to advancing cancer care in India and beyond.
Thank you.
JAI HIND.