A two-day vocational training program for cancer survivors, family members of patients currently undergoing treatment, and their caregivers was organized by Dr. B. Borooah Cancer Institute (BBCI), Guwahati. The training program on poultry and piggery and vermicompost was conducted on 11th August and 12th August, respectively. The vocational training program was altogether attended by 45 participants. Manoj Saikia, Chairman of Assam Livestock and Poultry Corporation (ALPCO) Limited attended the inaugural program on Day 1. The two-day training program was conducted by the Department of Medical Social Works at BBCI.

Saikia in his inaugural speech said that this type of vocational training program will be very useful and assured to support in the future. He said that all technical assistance for a start-up will be provided by ALPCO Ltd. He also explained the financial support scheme of the Government of Assam for skill development. Dipalee Devi, Managing Director of ALPCO Ltd also attended the short inaugural session. The poultry training was imparted by Dr. Purnananda Konwar and Dr.Nawab Yunush, both from ALPCO.

Sanjiv Goswami from Balaark Biotech, Nagaon conducted the training on vermicompost. According to Goswami, vermicompost is an easy, low cost and environment-friendly method of agricultural practice. Participants of the training program can start using vermicompost for self-use and then start commercial use later once they gain enough expertise with minimal initial investment cost.

According to Dr. Amal Chandra Kataki, Director of BBCI, although there are multiple government schemes and support systems from non-governmental organizations for cancer treatment, there are very limited programs for the financial rehabilitation of cancer patients and their caregivers. We see a significant number of cancer patients and families from the unorganized working sector. For them, cancer treatment for a long duration like 6 to 8 weeks results in loss of financial savings and livelihood. By providing them an opportunity to learn skill-based work, we can assist them in their financial rehabilitation, further informed Dr. Kataki.

Aftab Hussain, a cancer survivor from Tezpur said that the vocational training program has been extremely helpful for him and will explore the feasibility of starting a venture in a humble way.

Kokil Nath from Morigaon said that he has learnt about vermicompost for the first time. He will start it immediately, as it is simple and cost-effective. 

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