Announcements / Messages from IAPC

IAPC’s Infographic of the month: What is Kidney Supportive Care?

As a part of the ongoing series on “Integrating Palliative Care across Medical Specialities”, we are delighted to present the IAPC Infographic for April 2026: What is Kidney Supportive Care?

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.

IAPCON 2027: Register now to avail the Early Bird offer!

The conference organisers of the 34th Annual International Conference of the Indian Association of Palliative Care (IAPCON 2027) warmly invite you to register and take advantage of the early bird registration rates, available until 31st August 2026.

IAPCON 2027 will be held from Friday, 19th February 2027 to Sunday, 21st February 2027 at the SOA University Campus, Bhubaneswar, with pre-conference workshops scheduled on 18th February 2027.

With the theme “Humanising High-Tech Medicine: Where Algorithm Meets Empathy,” the conference will explore how advances such as artificial intelligence, precision prognostication, regenerative therapies, and digital health can be thoughtfully integrated with the core values of dignity, compassion, and personalised palliative care.

We look forward to your participation in what promises to be a meaningful and enriching experience.

To register and for further information, please visit the conference website.

Announcement of IAPCON 2028: Kolkata to Host the 35th Annual International Conference

Kolkata will host the 35th Annual International Conference of the Indian Association of Palliative Care (IAPCON 2028) in February 2028. The proposal submitted by the organising team was approved at the AGBM of IAPC held in February 2026.

The West Bengal Chapter of IAPC, in collaboration with Tata Memorial Centre (TMC), Kolkata, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute (CNCI), Kolkata, and Saroj Gupta Cancer Centre and Research Institute (SGCCRI), Kolkata, will organise the conference.

Dr. Rakesh Roy (SGCCRI) will serve as the Organising Chairperson, and Dr. Debasish Jatua (CNCI), Dr. Suparna Mitra Barman (TMC), and Dr. Rudranil Nandi (TMC) will serve as Organising Secretaries. A seven-member Scientific Committee has also been constituted.

IAPC extends its warm congratulations and best wishes to the entire team for the successful conduct of the conference.

Key Highlights from the IAPC’s AGBM held on 14th February, 2026

The IAPC’s in-person Annual General Body meeting (AGBM) was held from 4:00 p.m to7.30 p.m. on Saturday, 14th February, 2026, at the Main Hall (Hall A), NIMSME, Hyderabad, during IAPCON 2026.

Key highlights from the AGBM are as follows:

  • Dr Sushma Bhatnagar and Dr Naveen Salins withdrew their nominations for the post of Chairperson, Academy of Palliative Medicine (APM) & General Secretary, APM. Because of the vacuum created in experienced leadership, the current organisational structure of the APM, as per IAPC SOP No. III on APM, will be kept in abeyance until further notice. Hence, Dr. Sarita Singh’s nomination for the post of Chairperson, APM was kept on hold.
  • An Apex Committee comprising the President, IAPC,  Honorary Secretary, IAPC, Treasurer, IAPC, and two expert advisors (Dr. Nagesh Simha, representing stakeholders, and Col. Yashavant Joshi, for Charity Commissioner-related matters) will decide on measures to strengthen the functioning of the APM.
  • The Advisory Board of Academic Courses of the Association will support the conduct of APM courses, if and when they are restarted.
  • The current APM accounts will be closed at the end of FY 2025–26, and the remaining balance will be transferred to the IAPC account. Future income and expenditure of APM will be maintained under a separate head within IAPC accounts.
  • A seven-member committee has been constituted to review the IAPC Bylaws and the proposed amendments. The committee will submit its report to the EC, following which it will be presented at the upcoming AGBM during IAPCON 2027 in Bhubaneswar.
    Committee members: Dr. Yogendra Singhal, Dr. Varun, Dr. Avinash Tiwari, Dr. Bhawesh Pangaria, Dr. Deepa Khurana, Mr. K. M. Noordeen, and Mr. P. A. Mujeeb Kuttamassery.
  • Increased administrative expenses of the association in form of IAPC Staff salary were discussed. A committee will be formed to look into the matter.
  • Election results: As the Election Officer was unable to attend the AGBM, the President, IAPC, announced the results for the posts of Secretary, IAPC; Regional Representatives (2026–2028); and Editor, IJPC (2026–2027). Dr. Mayur Ghoghari was unanimously nominated to continue as Treasurer, IAPC.
  • The results of the bidding process for hosting IAPCON 2028 were announced. The conference will be held in Kolkata, West Bengal.
  • IAPC will bid for APHN 2029 Conference. Sparsh Hospice, Hyderabad has shown willingness to organise APHN 2029 if selected for the same.
  • Dr. Raghu S. Thota formally handed over a pen drive containing key IAPC documents (including legal records) as part of the official transfer of responsibilities of the IAPC Secretariat to Dr. Sanghamitra Bora.
  • The General Body approved proceeding with the bid for APHN 2029, to be jointly submitted by IAPC and SPARSH Hospice.

The First Case of Withdrawal/Withholding of Life Support in India and Implications for Future Practice and Policy

A First-Hand Report by Dr Savita Butola for the Advance Care Planning – India (ACP-I) Team

Finally, Mr Harish Rana passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family members, at the Palliative Care Department, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, at 4:10 p.m. on 24th March 2026, marking the first case of implementation of India’s landmark judgement on withdrawal of life support to ensure dignity in death. Mr Rana had been in a vegetative state for more than 13 years.

Behind the scenes, it was also a moment of quiet closure in a long journey for the Advance Care Planning (ACP) Group, India.

The ACP team members, including Dr Savita Butola, Dr Roop Gursahani, Dr Rajani S. Bhat, Dr Smrita Rana, and Adv. Dr Dhvani Mehta, were actively involved in coordinating palliative care and supporting the legal battle of the ageing parents of Mr Rana to ensure a peaceful passing for their son with dignity. The team also provided continued support to address the medical and psychosocial needs of Mr Rana and his family.

Click here to read “The Story So Far” (as narrated by Dr Savita Butola, Member, ACP India).

West Bengal Chapter of IAPC Officially Registered

The Indian Association of Palliative Care (IAPC) is delighted to share that the West Bengal Chapter of IAPC has been officially registered at the office of the Additional Sub-Registrar, Serampore in March, 2026. This marks a significant milestone in strengthening palliative care initiatives in the state. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the entire team for this important achievement.

The West Bengal Chapter of IAPC was formed on 4th November 2022. Since its inception, the chapter has actively organised several key initiatives aimed at enhancing palliative care awareness and education, and strengthening service delivery across the state.  A notable milestone in this journey was the successful organisation of the inaugural state conference, WB IAPCON 2025, held on 23rd November 2025 at Tata Medical Centre, Kolkata. The conference created strong momentum for advancing palliative care activities in West Bengal and brought together professionals committed to compassionate care.

The formal registration of the chapter further reinforces its commitment to expanding access to quality palliative care services and fostering collaboration across the region.

IJPC January-March 2026 Edition is available online

The current issue features review articles on electro-therapeutic modalities in breast cancer-related lymphedema, contemporary approaches to cancer communication, and The Psychological Impact of Societal Beauty Standards: A Systematic Review of Body Image Issues, Awareness Campaigns and the Role of Palliative Care in the Digital Era.  It also features original articles, case reports, short communication, and commentary on The Atlas of Palliative Care in Asia Pacific 2025. 

Please click here to read the current issue (Volume 32 | Issue 1 | January–March 2026).

The IJPC is the IAPC’s open-access, peer-reviewed journal, committed to publishing high-quality articles in the field of palliative care.

Please click here for further information about IJPC.

Karnataka Constitutes State-Level Technical Advisory Committee for Palliative Care

In a significant step towards strengthening palliative care services, the Government of Karnataka has issued an order (dated 23rd March 2026) constituting a State-Level Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) for Palliative Care.

The Government has also acknowledged successful models from other states, particularly the community-based approach implemented in Kerala, as a reference for scaling up services.

The newly constituted TAC will serve as the principal technical body to guide the planning, implementation, and monitoring of palliative care services across Karnataka, in alignment with the National Programme for Palliative Care (NPPC).

The committee is chaired by Dr. Raj Kumar Khatri (IAS Retd. &, Former Additional Chief Secretary) and includes representatives from key government departments, subject experts in palliative medicine, and members from leading non-governmental organisations working in the field.

The IAPC warmly congratulates Dr. Nandini Vallath, Dr. Rajani Surendra Bhat, Dr. Yadhuraj Gowda, and Dr. Anuradha Ganigara on their well-deserved selection as subject experts in palliative medicine.

The IAPC also extends its congratulations to the NGO representatives from organisations OBLF, Pallium India, Saranam, Swami Vivekananda Youth Movement (SVYM), and Bangalore Hospice Trust-Karunashraya for their inclusion in the committee, recognising their valuable contribution to advancing palliative care services.

Key functions of the committee include:

  • Advising the Government on the development and implementation of the State Palliative Care Policy
  • Recommending standards, treatment protocols, and service delivery models across all levels of care
  • Supporting coordination between departments, including issues related to Essential Narcotic Drugs (ENDs)
  • Guiding integration with existing national and state health programmes, particularly NCD services
  • Providing technical inputs for infrastructure, human resources, training, and referral systems
  • Reviewing programme performance, service coverage, and quality of care
  • Promoting monitoring systems, research, documentation, and sharing of best practices

The formation of this committee marks an important milestone in Karnataka’s efforts to expand access to quality palliative care services through a structured, coordinated, and evidence-based approach.

New resource added: Standards for Paediatric Palliative Care

The Standards for Paediatric Palliative Care- A Consensus Document released in February 2026 at IAPCON 2026 held in Hyderabad is now available to download from the resources section of IAPC website. The Indian Association of Palliative Care proudly invites all our members and friends to explore this important Standards for Paediatric Palliative Care in India.

This landmark publication presents contextually relevant standards across ten key domains, including symptom assessment and management, drug availability, care of the dying child, perinatal and neonatal palliative care, transition of care, community-based care, education and training, ethics and law, policy and governance, and research and quality improvement.

Aligned with global principles and tailored to the realities of the Indian healthcare system, the document offers clear guidance for implementation at primary, secondary, and tertiary levels of care.

Developed through a rigorous national consensus process with contributions from multidisciplinary experts, policymakers, international collaborators, and families, this document serves as a valuable resource to guide clinical practice, service development, training, advocacy, and policy integration across India.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations and sincere thanks to Dr. Gayatri Palat and Dr. Archana Iyengar for their leadership in the conceptualisation and development of these standards, and for bringing this important work to fruition.

We warmly encourage all our members and friends, along with clinicians, administrators, educators, policymakers, and community stakeholders, to explore and adopt these standards to strengthen paediatric palliative care services nationwide.

Please click here to download this valuable document.

Singing for the Stars – A Virtual Evening of Harmonies

Tune in at 2:50 p.m. on 15th April, 2026, for ‘Singing for the Stars’

The IAPC and the Shankar Mahadevan Academy (SMA) Nirvana invite you to join us at 2:50 p.m. on Wednesday, 15th April, 2026 for the musical evening, ‘Singing for the Stars’.

This edition of the program is dedicated to our friends from across the country.

The evening of harmonies will be presented by Gayatri Bose and Rehan Mustafa (Vocalists and Performing Artists)

Languages: Hindi, Bengali, and Assamees.

Don’t forget to join us at 2:50 p.m. on 15th April, 2026.

Zoom link to join the program: https://shankarmahadevanacademy.zoom.us/j/98540914078?pwd=f4IOf7Z5qtO45PXBJTedai2bX8spbg.1

Meeting ID: 985 4091 4078
Passcode: 771863

Update from the March 2026 Event

The Indian Association of Palliative Care extends its sincere gratitude to the Shankar Mahadevan Academy Nirvana (SMA Nirvana) for presenting a marvellous musical evening dedicated to our real stars.

Palliative care institutions from across India came together to join the programme, held on Wednesday, 18th March, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., making it a truly memorable and unifying experience.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations and sincere appreciation to the talented singers, Ms. Silpamudra Jagadev and Master Kyaan Roy Choudhury, for creating such an immersive and uplifting musical experience.

Our sincere thanks also go to the institutions whose consistent efforts made this event possible, including SAIMS Indore, Annai Adhuraham Hospice, Kumbakonam, Respite Care Centre, TMC Mumbai, and BBCI Guwahati, along with each and every participant who contributed to the success of this beautiful 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:

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:

  1. Please visit the IAPC’s National Palliative Care Directory and select the State from the drop down menu to check details of your center.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.