469/2026-2027

AIZAWL; OCTOBER 19, 2026: Health & Family Welfare Minister Pi Lalrinpuii graced the inaugural session of the "Scientific Fest 2026 - CME on Breast Cancer" as the Chief Guest today. The event, themed "Awareness today, healthier tomorrow," was organized by the Scientific Forum of Zoram Medical College & Hospital (ZMC&H). Prof. Zorinsangi Varte, Registrar of ZMC&H, welcomed the dignitaries and participants to the program. Addressing the gathering, Health Minister Pi Lalrinpuii highlighted a concerning health trend, noting that Mizoram reports a high incidence of stomach, esophagus, lung, and breast cancers. She emphasized the critical relevance of hosting a "Continuing Medical Education (CME) on Breast Cancer" at ZMC&H. The Minister outlined three pillars essential to combating the disease: Early detection (identifying the disease as early as possible), Timely treatment (providing intervention when it is most effective), and Comprehensive Patient Care. Pi Lalrinpuii stated that public education is the primary defense against cancer and other health conditions. She stressed that to prevent cancer, awareness campaigns must actively educate school and college students, as well as the wider community, on the dangers of tobacco and alcohol consumption, the importance of maintaining a balanced diet, and the benefits of regular physical exercise.

The Minister strongly advised citizens against self-treatment when noticing unusual lumps or bodily changes. She urged the public to consult qualified doctors immediately, adding that early professional intervention drastically aids accurate diagnosis and allows for effective treatment before the illness escalates. Furthermore, she pointed out that depending on the stage of cancer, patients require multi-disciplinary treatments—including Surgery, Chemotherapy, and Radiotherapy—alongside Palliative Care and psycho-social support to ease their physical and emotional burden. Highlighting the government's initiatives, Pi Lalrinpuii shared that diagnostic facilities are being significantly upgraded to ensure early detection, health professionals are undergoing continuous skill development, and the medical referral system is being reformed to grant patients smoother access to essential medicines and treatments. She also emphasized the need to broadly publicize government assistance schemes to the masses. The Minister concluded by asserting that fighting cancer and raising awareness requires a collaborative approach from families, local communities, educational institutions, and churches, rather than the Health Department working alone.

During the event, Prof. Swati M Patki, Dean of ZMC&H, delivered an elaborate presentation detailing the objectives behind organizing Scientific Fest 2026. Prof. Lalnunmawii Sailo, Medical Superintendent, presented mementos to the invited medical experts, while Prof. John Lalliandinga, Head of Department (HoD) of General Surgery, introduced the guest speakers. The scientific sessions featured extensive academic presentations from medical luminaries, starting with Prof. Saia Chenkual (Former HoD, Dept. of General Surgery) who spoke on "Breast Cancer Awareness & My 3 Decades of Experience in Breast Cancer Surgery," followed by an address from Prof. L. Fimate (Former Director of ZMC&H and RIMS). Dr. Adami Colney (Consultant Surgical Oncologist, MSCI, Zemabawk) then lectured on the "Management of Breast Cancer," while Dr. H. Lalremmawia (Research Associate, Dept. of Biotechnology, MZU) presented a paper titled "Genomic insights into Breast Cancer, Hereditary risk and Pharmacogenomics in Mizoram." Additionally, Dr. Christopher Zodinsanga Pachuau (Senior Resident, Dept. of Pathology, ZMC) presented "Breast carcinoma in our centre: A three years clinico-pathological and immunohistochemistry review," Dr. Lalthanpari (Assistant Professor, Dept. of Radiodiagnosis) spoke on "From mammograms to AI: Current standards and future horizons in breast imaging," and Dr. C. Lalrindiki (Consultant Radiation Oncology) delivered a lecture on "Adjuvant treatment in early and locally advanced breast cancer." The technical sessions concluded with Dr. R. Lalchhandama (Assistant Professor, Dept. of General Surgery) presenting "Breast cancer: A clinical update from diagnosis to management," and Dr. Jehovah Ringzuala Pachuau (Consultant, Dept. of General Surgery) speaking on "Perioperative measures to prevent Lymphoedema in Breast Surgery."