What being a ‘caregiver’ taught me: A Doctor’s Perspective – Dr Parul Raina, Bengaluru Being a doctor and caring for patients is one side of the story. But what if you find yourself on the other side? When a ‘Doctor’ Becomes a ‘Caregiver’!! When your loved one is in a critical condition and you are…
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Advancing the Law for Advance Medical Directives – Dr Dhvani Mehta, New Delhi The law is inextricably intertwined in relation to palliative care, especially in India, not always for the good. The law is misunderstood (“withholding/withdrawing life-sustaining treatment is euthanasia”), it is misinterpreted (“palliative sedation is illegal”), and it is misdirected (“discharging patients against medical…
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Severe Mental Illness and Palliative Medicine – Dr Suhana Sulfiker, New Delhi A 50-year-old male, Vijay (name changed) with major depressive disorder had undergone various forms of psychotherapy and several trials of antidepressants and antipsychotic medications. He lives alone as he is separated from his wife. His children are married and live with their respective…
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Navigating Digital Legacy as a part of End-of-Life Care Planning – Mr Sachin Dwivedi, Rishikesh A person’s ‘digital legacy’ is the quantity of electronic data that one leaves behind on digital media and the internet upon their death. This could include one’s email accounts, websites, blogs, online chats, financial accounts, images, videos, online gaming profiles,…
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Palliative care in humanitarian settings – Dr Sunitha Daniel, York, United Kingdom ‘World Humanitarian Day’ is celebrated on August 19th each year as per the resolution passed by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly to commemorate the bomb attack that killed 22 humanitarian aid workers in Iraq in 2003. Each year, the campaign led by…
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Challenges and Compassion in Palliative Care: Addressing Misconceptions and Cultural Dynamics – Palliative Care Nurse, Canada Persistent myths and misunderstandings surrounding palliative care present a poignant issue that profoundly impacts patient care and family dynamics. During my experience of providing end-of-life care to an immigrant from a marginalized community, I encountered a troubling situation related…
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The Science of Yoga and it’s benefits in a Palliative Setting – Dr. Bindu Menon, Hyderabad Yoga is a mind-body practice which originated in India thousands of years ago, that aims to create inner harmony and integrate the physical, mental, and spiritual dimensions of life. What yoga can offer in palliative care is a holistic…
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Empowering tomorrow’s nurses is the economic force of Compassionate Care – Ms. Sangeetha Murugan, Bengaluru Imagine a hospital without nurses. It is a daunting thought that sends shivers down one’s spine, as it reveals a nurses’ profound impact on our lives from the moment we are born to the final moments of our journey. In…
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Partnering with ECHS to initiate Palliative Care in Armed Forces – Dr Savita Butola, Panisagar The armed forces have their own way of life, their own organizational culture and their own challenges. The medical services within the forces are organized so as to meet their specific requirements. Palliative care awareness, which is lacking in the…
Read MoreMovement Medicine and Integrative Palliative Care – Zuleikha, USA “Offering hope to those suffering from terminal illness or battling challenging life circumstances isn’t easy… for American dancer and healer Zuleikha.” —Words from my late dear friend, Ms Ritu Bhatia, a Delhi journalist. I am Zuleikha, a performing artist, an educator in transformative self-care, and the…
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