On 10th October 2026, the Department of Palliative Medicine, Christian Medical College Vellore, observed World Hospice and Palliative Care Day, focusing on the theme “Pain Management: An Essential Component of Palliative Care.” The celebrations featured slogan and flashcard competitions, which witnessed active participation and provided a creative platform for expressing perspectives on total pain and its multidimensional nature. Academic and interactive sessions included role plays, a caregiver’s reflection, and discussions on “Beyond the Pain Score: A Person-Centred Approach to Pain” and “Opioids Unmasked: Myths, Misconceptions, and Facts.” An interdisciplinary panel discussion on “Pain Management in Practice: Pitfalls & Pearls” explored practical challenges and insights in pain management.

The sessions also emphasized the importance of identifying pain champions and marked a step towards the vision of a Pain-Free Hospital, strengthening institutional commitment to effective pain assessment and management. Extending awareness initiatives beyond the Hospital Campus, programmes were also organized at the CMC Chittoor Outreach Centre and Ida B. Scudder Hospice, reinforcing the importance of palliative care awareness across clinical and community settings. The event reaffirmed the Department’s commitment to education, awareness and interdisciplinary collaboration in advancing palliative care, ensuring that dignity, comfort and compassion remain central to healthcare.