AGRA, March 20 -- In a move to strengthen decentralised cancer care in Uttar Pradesh, the department of radiation oncology at Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College (JNMC), Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), has been designated as a mentor institute under the Day Care Cancer Centre (DCCC) Scheme of the National Health Mission (NHM). Under this initiative, JNMC will mentor five to six district-level hospitals (DLHs) within its cluster, facilitating the development of oncology services at the district level. The scheme is intended to bring essential cancer care, including chemotherapy and palliative services, closer to patients' homes, reducing the burden on tertiary care centres and ensuring timely treatment, according to a press statement issued by AMU's public relations office on Thursday. As part of its mandate, the department of radiation oncology will offer expert guidance on chemotherapy protocols, treatment planning, and patient care, while also conducting specialised training programmes for medical officers and nursing staff from affiliated district hospitals. In this context, a three-day training programme was held from March 16 to March 18, 2026, for healthcare professionals from districts such as Kasganj, Sambhal, Amroha, Etah, Moradabad, Badaun, and Rampur. The programme was led by Prof Md Akram, chairman of the department, with Dr Mohsin Khan serving as the nodal officer. During the training, participants were trained in safe preparation and administration of chemotherapeutic drugs, inpatient and outpatient cancer care, and effective communication with patients and attendants. The key sessions covered chemotherapy planning, management of oncological emergencies, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV), drug classification and side effects, cancer pain management, nutrition in cancer patients, and venous access techniques, including long-term devices. The programme concluded with an interactive session by Prof Anjum Parvez, principal, JNMC....