On the occasion of WHPCD on October 14th, the Department of Pain and Palliative Care at RGCIRC, Rohini, New Delhi, organized HOPE 2023 (HOspice and Palliative Care Event). Aligned with this year’s theme of “Compassionate Communities,” the event welcomed a diverse group of participants, including Abha workers, social workers, volunteers, as well as patients and caregivers, doctors and nurses.
Dr. Kinshuki Jain, the Head of the Department of Pain and Palliative Care, RGCIRC, emphasized the under-recognition and inadequate addressing of spiritual pain, underscoring its significance in a captivating session. The Guest of Honour, Prashant Mukund Das from ISKCON, provided profound insights into the management of spiritual pain. In addition, there were lectures on breast cancer, orthopedic cancers by eminent doctors from RGCIRC, free and paid home care services imparted by NGOs (Cansupport and Dnipcare) and private entities respectively.
The invitation for creative entries (art and creative writing) highlighting different aspects of cancer journey also received a heartening response. The cancer patients and their caregivers shared their personal journeys.
The audience of around 150 people lauded the interactive sessions and the comprehensive understanding of the holistic approach to patient care. HOPE 2023 created an environment for learning and also highlighted the importance of acknowledging and addressing spiritual pain in the comprehensive management of cancer care.