Announcements / Messages from IAPC
IAPC’s Infographic of the month: Breathing Easier
As a part of the ongoing series on “Integrating Palliative Care across Medical Specialities”, we are delighted to present the IAPC’s Infographic for June 2026: “Breathing Easier”, Palliative Care in Advanced Respiratory Illness.
This initiative reflects the IAPC’s constant endeavour to promote palliative care education and awareness across the country.
Please feel free to share this infographic within your networks. The same will be available on our social media platforms and also on our website.
Please click here to access IAPC’s infographics published till date.
We thank Dr. Wasimul Hoda (Fellow in Pain Medicine, Department of Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, AIIMS New Delhi) for his valuable support towards this initiative.
Applications invited for the ‘IAPC’s Gold Medal for Nurses 2026’
The IAPC is delighted to invite applications for the ‘IAPC’s Gold Medal for Nurses 2026’. The initiative aims to encourage nurses in palliative care to further develop their skills and knowledge and achieve excellence in palliative care.
Dr. Dinesh Kumar (Professor, Community Medicine, Pramukhswami Medical College, Bhaikaka University, Gujarat) has been designated as the coordinator for the IAPC’s Gold Medal for Nurses 2026. He goes on to share that the national examination will be conducted in two steps.
- The first step will be a free to attend online screening examination which will include 100 MCQ’s to be completed by candidates at their own pace before 5 p.m. on Monday, 31st August, 2026. The online screening test will be open from 1st August 2026.
- Please click here to register for the online screening test. Registration link will be open from 1st July 2026. Only registered candidates will receive link for the online screening test.
- The top 5 rank holders from the Step 1 online screening examination will be invited to participate in the Step 2 process, an in-person examination scheduled to be held on Monday, 23rd November 2026, at Shree Krishna Hospital, Bhaikaka University, Karamsad, Anand, Gujarat
The winner of the ‘IAPC’s Gold Medal for Nurses 2026’ will receive a cash prize of Rs. 25,000/- (Twenty-five thousand only), a citation and a medal.
Please click here for further details regarding the guidelines, the selection process, and the timelines.
Celebrating National Doctors’ Day: IAPC Honours Palliative Care Physicians
On the occasion of National Doctors’ Day (1st July 2026), the Indian Association of Palliative Care (IAPC) honours palliative care physicians with deep gratitude.
This month’s infographic pays tribute to those who have dedicated their lives to the “Science and Art of Healing – Not Just the Body, but the Whole Person”.
Through this infographic, titled “Who Heals Healers? Honouring the Heart Behind Palliative Care”, we pause to recognise the quiet army of healers who walk alongside individuals living with serious and chronic illnesses and their families through life’s most difficult chapters. It highlights the emotional realities of palliative care practice, the resilience of palliative care physicians, and the importance of ensuring that they, too, receive the compassion and support they deserve.
Please feel free to share this infographic within your networks. It is also available on our social media platforms and website. Please click here to access it.
We thank Dr Wasim Hoda (Associate Professor, Department of Anesthesia, Pain, Palliative and Critical Care, Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences, Ranchi, Jharkhand), for his valuable support towards this initiative.
National Doctors Day: IAPC’s Special Recognition to Dr Divya Sai
The Indian Association of Palliative Care announces a special recognition to Dr Vanumu Divya sai, the winner of National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) President’s Gold Medal in Palliative Medicine, 2026, on the occasion of National Doctors Day 2026. Dr Divya Sai will be felicitated with this recognition award at the valedictory function of IAPCON 2027 to be held in Bhubaneswar in February 2027. Congratulations to Dr Divya Sai on her outstanding achievement.
IAPC will continue this initiative by recognising an outstanding young palliative care physician each year. The recipient will be announced on the occasion of National Doctors’ Day and felicitated at the valedictory function of IAPCON.
National Doctors’ Day: Reflections from Palliative Care Physicians
To commemorate National Doctors’ Day 2026, the Indian Association of Palliative Care (IAPC) presents a special collection of reflections by palliative care physicians in the Interesting Reads section of this Newsletter. In her thought-provoking article, Dr Vanumu Divya Sai reflects on the deeper meaning of medicine and the enduring value of compassion and presence in patient care. She writes: “Sometimes, the most important thing we can offer is not a cure, but ourselves. And that, too, is medicine. And perhaps, that is where medicine finds its truest meaning”. Click here to read the article.
In the article”The Courage to Stand Down at the Fractured Bedside,” Dr Ravikiran Pothamsetty reflects on the uncertainties inherent in palliative care, the importance of meaningful communication, and the wisdom of slowing down when cure is no longer possible. He emphasises that: “The mind that is trained fiercely to heal must also possess the clinical courage to stand down when disease draws its final line”. Click here to read the article.
These articles are also featured in the Interesting Reads section of this newsletter.
Congratulations to Team IJPC on Its Improved Scopus CiteScore and Journal Impact Factor
The Indian Association of Palliative Care (IAPC) is delighted to share two significant milestones achieved by the Indian Journal of Palliative Care (IJPC).
The journal’s Scopus CiteScore has increased from 2.1 to 2.5, while its Journal Impact Factor has risen from 1.2 to 1.8.
Sharing this achievement, Dr Raghavendra Ramanjulu (Editor-in-Chief, IJPC, and Dr Raghu S. Thota, Editor, IJPC), warmly congratulated and expressed their heartfelt gratitude to all contributors whose continued support has contributed to the journal’s growing impact.
IAPC extends its warm congratulations to team IJPC on this exceptional growth achieved.
IAPC Announces Awards Worth Rs 4 Lakhs for Paper and Poster Presentations at IAPCON 2027
The Indian Association of Palliative Care (IAPC) is pleased to announce a total prize pool of ₹4,00,000 for the winners of the paper and poster presentation competitions at the 34th Annual International Conference of the Indian Association of Palliative Care (IAPCON 2027). This prestigious competition invites entries under four distinct categories:
- Doctors
- Doctors (Students) – MD/DNB students from any speciality and students pursuing full-time, offline fellowships in any speciality
- Nurses
- Others – including Pharmacists, Physiotherapists, Psychologists, Counsellors, Social Workers, Volunteers, and allied professionals
Each category will have three awards each for both paper and poster presentations:
- First Prize: Rs 25,000 and a certificate
- Second Prize: Rs 15,000 and a certificate
- Third Prize: Rs 10,000 and a certificate
A total of 24 prizes (12 for paper presentations and 12 for poster presentations), across the four categories, will be awarded at IAPCON 2026.
Award Categories and Prizes
| Sl. No. | Category | Paper Presentation Awards | Poster Presentation Awards | Prize Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Doctors | 1st, 2nd, 3rd | 1st, 2nd, 3rd | 1st – Rs. 25,000 & certificate 2nd – Rs. 15,000 & certificate 3rd – 10,000 & certificate |
| 2 | Doctors (Students) | 1st, 2nd, 3rd | 1st, 2nd, 3rd | Same as above |
| 3 | Nurses | 1st, 2nd, 3rd | 1st, 2nd, 3rd | Same as above |
| 4 | Others (Pharmacists, Physiotherapists, Psychologists, Counsellors, Social Workers, Volunteers, etc.) | 1st, 2nd, 3rd | 1st, 2nd, 3rd | Same as above |
We encourage all eligible professionals and students to submit their abstracts and showcase their contributions to the field of palliative care. This is an opportunity to gain recognition for your work and commitment to advancing palliative care in India.
Abstract submission guidelines will be published shortly on IAPCON website. Please click here to visit the official conference website for registration.
The 34th Annual International Conference of IAPC (IAPCON 2027) will be held at Convention Complex, SOA University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha between Friday, 19th February 2027, and Sunday, 21st February 2027. Pre-Conference workshop will be held on Thursday, 18th February 2027.
Early bird registration will be available until Monday, 31st August 2026.
International Conference to Mark World Hospice and Palliative Care Day 2026 in Thrissur, Kerala
The Indian Association of Palliative Care (IAPC), in collaboration with Alpha Palliative Care, invites delegates to participate in the International Conference being organised in Thrissur, Kerala, to commemorate World Hospice and Palliative Care Day (WHPCD) 2026. The conference will be held from 9–11 October 2026.
World Hospice and Palliative Care Day will be observed globally on Saturday, 10th October 2026. The conference will focus on this year’s World Day theme: “Pain Management: An Essential Part of Palliative Care.”
The conference aims to bring together healthcare professionals, academicians, researchers, palliative care practitioners, and the wider palliative care community, including a large network of volunteers, to deliberate on contemporary approaches to pain management and holistic palliative care.
Further details regarding the scientific programme, faculty, abstract submissions, and registration will be announced soon.
Singing for the Stars
Highlights from the June 2026 Event
The June edition of the online musical programme, “Singing for the Stars,” jointly organised by the Indian Association of Palliative Care (IAPC) and Shankar Mahadevan Academy (SMA) Nirvana, was successfully held on Wednesday, 24th June 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The programme began with a heartfelt tribute to Mrs Rajni Yarde, who passed away on 18th June 2026 in Pune. Mrs Yarde was a beloved and cheerful presence in the IAPC–SMA Nirvana programme, singing for the Stars, dedicated to the “Real Stars” of palliative care—individuals receiving palliative care. Her enthusiasm, vibrant spirit, and love for music brought warmth and joy to every session. She inspired everyone with her resilience, positivity, and generous heart. Participants observed a moment of remembrance and paid tribute to her cherished memory.
The June programme featured Mrs Bhavya Chitra Sangeeth, singer and performing artist, who enthralled the audience with a delightful selection of Tamil and Hindi songs. Mrs Pallavi Das from Cuttack also joined Mrs Bhavya Chitra to present a few beautiful musical performances.
The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from several institutions, including Annai Arudhagam Hospice and Mahaveer Ashray Hospice from Tamil Nadu, BBCI in Guwahati, and the Respite Care Centre, Tata Memorial Hospital (TMH), Mumbai, along with healthcare professionals, patients, caregivers, and volunteers from across the country.
IAPC warmly congratulates the singers for their wonderful performances and expresses its sincere gratitude to SMA Nirvana for its continued partnership in bringing music, comfort, and joy to the “Real Stars” in palliative care through this unique monthly initiative.
Leverage the IAPC’s Social Media to stay connected!
The IAPC is inviting each of you to join the IAPC’s Social Media community to network and stay connected with the palliative care community, from India and beyond!
To get started, Follow / Like us on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/palliativecare.in
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iapc-1994/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/iapcsecretary
New vacancies from across the country now published in the IAPC’s Careers page
We invite you to visit the IAPC’s ‘View job vacancy’ page to view the recently updated vacancies in palliative care from across the country.
Details of current vacancies are:
- Palliative Care Physician at CanSupport, Jharkhand
- Palliative Care Nurse at The Jimmy S Bilimoria Foundation, Maharashtra
- Palliative Care Physician at The Jimmy S Bilimoria Foundation, Maharashtra
We request you to please also join us to improve the availability and access to palliative care by either sharing the details of vacancies at your center or by sharing the details of this platform with your colleagues to submit a vacancy from centers rendering palliative care services.
Call for Support: Your 2 minutes = Someone’s entire lifetime of Peace, Comfort and Dignity!
The IAPC requests you to spare just two minutes of your valuable time to submit / update the details of your palliative care services in the IAPC’s National Palliative Care Directory.
Steps to show your support:
- Please visit the IAPC’s National Palliative Care Directory and select the State from the drop down menu to check details of your center.
- If you need to add / update details of your center, then please visit the Submit/Update details of your PC center page on the IAPC website and submit the relevant details.
- After entering the relevant details, please click the ‘Submit’ button to record your responses.
Please do remember that your two minutes will make an invaluable difference in someone’s entire lifetime, as patients and caregivers, along with your colleagues will then have access to palliative care services when they need it the most!
Come on, donate your time to be a bridge in alleviating the suffering of our patients from across the country. Let no one be left behind!
Please click here for guidance on how to update your details.
‘Saath Saath Helpline’: India’s free palliative care helpline
Saath-Saath Helpline: 1800-202-7777, is the first of its kind National, Free-of-cost Palliative care helpline. The helpline offers non-judgmental listening services to palliative patients and their caregivers, or to a patient’s physician, and connects them to the nearest palliative care center.
The helpline has 26 partner organisations working across 17 States and Union territories viz; Maharashtra, Delhi, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Orissa, Punjab, Haryana, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Goa, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Kashmir and West Bengal. Volunteers from Tata Memorial Hospital (TMH) and Cipla Palliative Care and Training Centre (CPC) attend the calls in four shifts to either provide information, offer Psycho-emotional support or to refer the caller to a partner organisation.
The helpline provides service through call-in on a phone line and works 6 days a week (Mon-Sat), 10 am to 6 pm.
You can offer your support by informing patients about this helpline and refer those who are in need of such services.