In a groundbreaking achievement for Indian healthcare, Vedanta’s BALCO Medical Centre (BMC) has been awarded the prestigious Cancer Grand Challenges Award, making it the first Indian co-researchers team to receive this honor. The award, accompanied by a substantial $25 million grant for cancer research, underscores BMC’s position as a leading institution in India’s oncology landscape. The recipient team, PROSPECT, comprising clinicians, advocates, and scientists from BALCO Medical Centre and other esteemed institutions worldwide, will focus on addressing the critical challenge of early-onset cancers.
Ms. Jyoti Agarwal, Chairperson of Vedanta Medical Research Foundation, expressed her gratitude for this recognition, stating, “We are honored to have been chosen for this prestigious award, which significantly advances the battle against cancer. With this support from Cancer Grand Challenges, our efforts are not only continued but also strengthened. I am confident that we can positively contribute to the overall healthcare landscape.”
Team PROSPECT is one of five global teams being funded this year by Cancer Grand Challenges, a global research initiative founded by Cancer Research UK and the National Cancer Institute US. The initiative aims to bring together world-class research teams to tackle some of cancer’s toughest challenges. The total investment of $125 million will support innovative research projects with the potential to revolutionize cancer outcomes.
Dr. Bhawna Sirohi, Medical Director at Vedanta Medical Research Foundation (BALCO Medical Centre) and the lead principal investigator for the PROSPECT-India study, highlighted the importance of early detection and lifestyle choices for preventing colorectal cancers. The grant will accelerate global cancer research, focusing on understanding the rise in early-onset colorectal cancer and strategies for prevention.
Vedanta’s BALCO Medical Centre, located in Central India, is a state-of-the-art tertiary care oncology facility providing multidisciplinary treatment and support. Since its inception in March 2018, BMC has treated over 37,000 patients and received certifications and accreditations including LEED certification, NABH, FSSAI, NABL, Nursing Excellence, and CAHO certifications. This significant grant underscores BMC’s commitment to pioneering research and delivering innovative solutions to address critical healthcare challenges in India.
The award reflects Vedanta’s core values of giving back to the community and making a lasting impact on society. With this achievement, Vedanta and BMC are poised to lead transformative research in oncology, contributing to advancements in cancer treatment and prevention on a global scale.
