Tapan Kumar Saikia

Tapan Kumar Saikia
Born
EducationAssam Medical College
Known forCancer care and cancer awareness in Northeast India
AwardsAssam Baibhav (2023)
Scientific career
FieldsMedical oncology
InstitutionsTata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai
Prince Aly Khan Hospital, Mumbai
Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre

Tapan Kumar Saikia is an Indian medical oncologist known for his contributions to cancer treatment, research and cancer awareness in India, particularly in the northeastern region of the country. He has worked at major cancer institutions including Tata Memorial Hospital, Prince Aly Khan Hospital and Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre in Mumbai.[1][2]

In 2023 he was awarded the Assam Baibhav, the highest civilian award of the Government of Assam, in recognition of his contributions to cancer care and public service.[1][3]

Early life and education

Saikia was born in Naharkatia in Dibrugarh district of Assam.[2]

He studied medicine at Assam Medical College in Dibrugarh, where he completed his medical education before specialising in oncology.[4]

Career

Saikia began his career at Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai in 1981, where he worked for more than two decades and developed his career in oncology.[1][4]

After leaving Tata Memorial Hospital, he served as the Head of Medical Oncology and Research Director at Prince Aly Khan Hospital in Mumbai.[5]

He later became Director of Oncology Sciences at Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre in Mumbai.[2][6]

Saikia has also been associated with several professional medical organisations and has participated in cancer awareness programmes and screening camps in Assam and other northeastern states of India.[1]

Public health initiatives

Saikia has been involved in initiatives promoting cancer awareness and early detection in the northeastern region of India. He has supported several outreach programmes and medical camps focused on improving cancer diagnosis and treatment access.[6]

He is also associated with the Deepsikha Foundation, an organisation involved in cancer care and patient support.[1]

Awards and honours

Saikia has received several honours for his contributions to cancer care and public health. In 2023, he was awarded the Assam Baibhav, the highest civilian award of the Government of Assam, in recognition of his extensive work in cancer treatment, awareness and healthcare services in Assam and the wider northeastern region of India.[7][3]The honour recognised his decades-long contribution to cancer awareness, early detection initiatives and treatment services benefiting patients across the Northeast.[1]

In 2024, he received the Kamala Saikia National Award, presented in memory of journalist Kamala Saikia, for his outstanding contributions to healthcare and society.[8]

In 2025, he was conferred the honorary degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Honoris Causa by Gauhati University during its 32nd convocation in recognition of his contributions to medical science and cancer care.[9]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f "Oncologist receives highest civilian award". The Times of India. 25 March 2023. Retrieved 15 March 2026.
  2. ^ a b c "Assam Governor Gulab Chand Kataria conferred civilian awards". The Economic Times. 25 March 2023. Retrieved 15 March 2026.
  3. ^ a b "Winners Declared for the Highest Civilian Awards of Assam for 2023". The Sentinel. 4 January 2023. Retrieved 15 March 2026.
  4. ^ a b "Governor Gulab Chand Kataria confers civilian awards to 21 personalities". The Hills Times. 25 March 2023. Retrieved 15 March 2026.
  5. ^ "Assam's highest civilian award 'Asom Baibhav' conferred to Dr Tapan Saikia". India Today NE. 4 January 2023. Retrieved 15 March 2026.
  6. ^ a b "Mumbai-based doctor Tapan Saikia to get Assam's highest civilian award". Outlook India. 4 January 2023. Retrieved 15 March 2026.
  7. ^ "Oncologist receives highest civilian award". The Times of India. 25 March 2023. Retrieved 16 March 2026.
  8. ^ "Kamala Saikia award presented". The Assam Tribune. Retrieved 16 March 2026.
  9. ^ "GU holds 32nd convocation, Governor & CM inspire graduates with vision for innovation, growth". The Sentinel. 26 April 2025. Retrieved 16 March 2026.