Meenakshi Mission Hospital and Research Centre (MMHRC), Madurai, hosted MADHURAM 2026, the 11th edition of the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) – Paediatric Haematology Oncology Chapter’s Midterm Continuing Medical Education (CME) programme.The three-day event, held from July 17 to 19, showcased the latest advances in paediatric haematology, oncology, and bone marrow transplantation.The CME programme brought together nearly 100 national and international experts in childhood blood disorders and cancer. Around 500 delegates, including postgraduate medical students, participated.In his address, Minister C T R. Nirmal Kumar said, “In India, the detection of cancer has been rising, partly because of greater awareness, improved diagnostic capabilities and the growing presence of both government and private healthcare institutions.However, one of our biggest challenges is that a large proportion of cancers is still diagnosed at an advanced stage, when treatment becomes more complex and survival rates are lower. Compared to many Western countries, we are yet to achieve widespread early detection. We need to significantly strengthen cancer screening programmes, increase public awareness, and make screening more accessible, especially in underserved regions.”MMHRC Chairman S. Gurushankar said, “A hospital may be known for its imposing buildings and advanced infrastructure, but its true strength lies in the expertise, commitment, and compassion of its doctors. If a hospital is likened to a temple, then its presiding deities are its doctors, for they restore health, hope, and life to society.”Talking about CME, Professor Kasi Viswanathan said, “The primary objective of this conference is to create greater awareness among postgraduate students, community physicians, and specialists. The sessions highlighted several important advances, including the use of molecular technologies for the early and accurate diagnosis of cancer, newer targeted therapies, innovations such as CAR T-cell therapy, where a patient’s immune cells are collected, genetically reprogrammed, and reinfused to identify and destroy cancer cells, as well as the latest developments in the diagnosis and management of blood disorders.Madurai Medical College former Director of Institute of Child Health and Professor Emeritus Balashankar, IAP Paediatric Haematology Oncology Chapter Chairperson Satya P Yadav and Secretary Shweta Bansal and Medical Administrator B Kannan and others participated. Published - July 19, 2026 08:29 pm IST