UE LifeSciences and Central Referral Hospital (CRH) Manipal successfully organized the first painless, radiation-free breast cancer screening camp in Sikkim. The initiative, held at CRH Gangtok, provided free screenings and consultations to 94 women, promoting awareness and access to early detection. The camp was inaugurated in the presence of AVM (Dr.) Dilip Chandra Agarwal, Vice-Chancellor of Sikkim Manipal University (SMU), along with senior officials from CRH and SMU. The screenings were conducted using iBreastExam, an innovative, non-invasive device designed for early cancer detection. Six nurses and two junior resident doctors from CRH received hands-on training with the device, equipping them with essential skills for future screenings.
Highlighting the importance of early detection, Dr. Pesona Grace Luksom, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at CRH, stated, “Early detection is our most powerful weapon against cancer. By proactively identifying breast abnormalities, we can significantly improve treatment options and save lives.”
In Gangtok, this initiative is a welcome boost to public health efforts in the city. With increasing health consciousness among consumers, awareness campaigns like these strengthen the trust of local communities in advanced medical technologies. Many women from the market area, including vendors and small business owners, participated in the camp, appreciating the free access to expert consultations.
Dr. Ruhi Agarwala, Head of Public Health at UE LifeSciences, emphasized the accessibility of the screening technology, stating, “iBreastExam’s ease of use makes it a valuable tool for community settings. We are excited to collaborate with CRH to bring these screenings to women in Gangtok.”
Participants expressed gratitude for the initiative, which marks a major step in the fight against breast cancer in Sikkim. SMU Vice-Chancellor Dr. Agarwal reaffirmed the university’s commitment to improving healthcare access, noting that such partnerships play a crucial role in addressing critical health challenges.