Every person deserves relief from pain, comfort and dignity. Marking World Hospice and Palliative Care Day, the OBLF (One Billion Lives Foundation) team organised a series of activities to raise awareness about the importance of pain management and spread the message: “Pain should never be ignored, and no one should have to endure it in silence”.

The palliative care teams at Sir C. V. Raman General Hospital, Anekal General Hospital and Marsuru Primary Health Centre (PHC), Bengaluru Rural district, Karnataka, organised screening camps, activities and therapy sessions to mark the day alongside the communities they serve.

On 10 October, the OBLF team organised a sound and music therapy session in the Palliative Care Ward at Sir C. V. Raman General Hospital, Bengaluru, Karnataka, under the guidance of Ms Seema Fernandes. The session offered patients and their caregivers an opportunity to experience comfort, calm and connection.

On 12 October, the team staged a street play highlighting the realities of pain experienced by individuals living with serious illness and the importance of pain management in palliative care. The event was attended by Dr Rajesh K. S., Dr Shashikala, Dr Padma, Sr Dory Margret and Dr Kishore.

In Anekal, Bengaluru Urban district, Karnataka, the team conducted a Pain-Free Community Camp alongside a non-communicable disease (NCD) screening camp. The initiative helped community members recognise pain and distressing symptoms early and understand the importance of timely care. Fruits were also distributed as a gesture of care and solidarity.

From the hospital ward to the hospital entrance and village communities, the purpose remained the same: to build a compassionate, pain-aware community where everyone has access to care, comfort and dignity.

The team extended their gratitude to every patient, caregiver, guest and team member who helped make these activities meaningful.