On 11th October 2025, the Department of Palliative Medicine, Christian Medical College Vellore, observed the 20th World Hospice and Palliative Care Day on the global theme “Achieving the Promise: Universal Access to Palliative Care.”
A series of academic and awareness-building activities were organized as part of the observance. These included cartooning and video-making competitions that highlighted creative perspectives on the theme, and a debate competition on “Is Universal Access to Palliative Care in India achievable within the next decade?” where contestants demonstrated commendable depth of knowledge and analytical reasoning.
To enhance public engagement, a walkathon was conducted to raise awareness on the importance of universal palliative care access, and tree-planting drives were undertaken in local schools to promote advocacy and sustainability initiatives aligned with the day’s theme.
A special programme was held at the Ida B. Scudder Hospice, featuring musical performances by patients and reflective testimonies from bereaved family members, who shared their experiences of the compassionate care and support extended by the Palliative Care Unit.
The events collectively reflected the department’s ongoing commitment to education, advocacy, and service in advancing the vision of equitable and universal access to palliative care.