I feel sad that Dr Akram Lal is no more with us! Of course, his memories still linger on vividly. We three; Dr Akram Lal, Dr K Pandey and myself were together for a long time in the field of medicines; firstly, Anaesthesiology, then Pain Management and finally in Palliative Care. We were deeply involved with the development of ISA, ISSP and IAPC.
After establishing a Hospice at Ahmedabad in 1988, I became very active in the field of Palliative Care. I discussed the idea of founding the Indian Association of Palliative Care (IAPC) with Dr Pandey and Dr Akram; we had meetings at Trivandrum and Varanasi and drafted the Bylaws of IAPC. Finally, the IAPC was registered in Ahmedabad on 16th March 1994.
We had a proper function at Varanasi and termed it as the first Internal Conference on Palliative Care. We had the second IAPCON at Ahmedabad in 1995. It was a big get-together and a great success! We had foreign representatives and also the involvement of WHO. Dr Akram Lal was the Vice President of the IAPC during this period and his enthusiasm made a tremendous difference in the quality of presentations. I am putting a picture here; three of us standing and smiling with a triumph along with Ms Gilly Burn of the UK. The Trio! Dr Keshav left earlier, Akram has gone now and I am left alone. However, I am satisfied that we established the foundations of new medical streams in India. Long live the IAPC!
I pray to the Almighty to grant SADGATI to the departed soul!