Announcements / Messages from IAPC
IAPC’s Infographic of the month: ‘Hospice Care’
In continuation of the infographic on “Care Continuum” series published in the month of April this year, the IAPC is excited to present the 2nd part of this series, an infographic on “Hospice Care” this month.
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 the 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.
Dr Raghu S Thota selected as Interim Secretary, IAPC and Dr Mayur Ghoghari as Interim Treasurer
Dr Raghu S Thota (Professor, Department of Palliative Medicine, Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai) was unanimously selected as the Hon. Secretary of IAPC for the interim term between May 2025 and February 2026, during the Executive Committee meeting held online on 12th May, 2025.
Dr. Raghu S Thota was an Executive Committee member of IAPC from the West Region, from February 2024, until he took on his current role as Secretary.
Dr Mayur Ghoghari (Consultant, Paediatric Palliative and Supportive Care Unit, Bai Jerbai Wadia Hospital for Children, Mumbai) was nominated as the treasurer for the interim term between May 2025 and February 2026. Dr. Ghoghari accepted the nomination and assumed the role of Treasurer of IAPC.
Welcome Dr Raghu S Thota and Dr Mayur Ghoghari!
For more information on the Core Committee of IAPC, please click here.
For more information on the Executive Committee of IAPC, please click here.
In Memoriam: Prof. Akram Lal (1939 – 2025)
A Life of Compassion and Service
The Indian Association of Palliative Care (IAPC) deeply mourns the passing of Prof. Akram Lal, a pioneer in Palliative Care and Pain Medicine in India. Prof. Lal’s unwavering dedication and visionary leadership significantly shaped the foundation and growth of the IAPC. Notably, he served as the President of IAPC between 1996 and 1997, playing a crucial role in advancing the field and advocating for compassionate care across the country.
We honour his remarkable legacy and extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues, and all those whose lives he touched.
Paying Tribute to Prof. Akram Lal: The IAPC Invites You to Share Your Memories.
In tribute to Prof. Akram Lal, IAPC invites you to share your cherished memories along with photographs highlighting his remarkable contributions to Palliative Care in the Memorial Page on IAPC’s website.
Please click here to access the memorial page.
New Release – EAPC Atlas of Palliative Care in the European Region 2025
The EAPC Atlas of Palliative Care 2025 is the most comprehensive resource to date for understanding the current state of palliative care across Europe. Developed with input from over 200 experts and aligned with the latest WHO global framework, the Atlas presents detailed, country-level insights into service availability, policy development, opioid access, education, and public health integration.
Key findings from the Atlas:
- Over 4 million people in Europe suffer from serious health-related conditions needing palliative care.
- More than half the countries in the region have a strong national and sub-national presence of palliative care advocacy and promoting patient rights.
- Access to oral morphine is limited at primary care level in a few European countries.
- Palliative care is officially recognized through national regulatory authorities as a medical speciality or sub-speciality in only less than half of the countries.
- 7119 specialized palliative care services exist across Europe—averaging 0.96 services per 100,000 people.
This essential tool not only maps the current landscape but also advocates for equitable and improved access to quality palliative care services.
Please click here to download the Atlas.
Call for Abstracts: IAPCON 2026!
We are delighted to announce that abstract submissions for the 33rd Annual International Conference of the Indian Association of Palliative Care (IAPC) is open from today, Sunday, 1st June, 2025!
The conference, co-hosted by Sparsh Hospice – Centre for Palliative Care, Hyderabad, and Basavatarakam Indo American Cancer Hospital & Research Institute, Hyderabad will take place at NI-MSME, Hyderabad, between Friday, 13th February, 2026 and Sunday, 15th February, 2026, with Pre-Conference Workshops on Thursday, 12th February, 2026.
On this occasion, Dr Praneeth Suvvari (Chair, Scientific Committee, IAPCON 2026) and his team enthusiastically extend their invitation to all: “We invite researchers, clinicians, educators, and advocates to share their work and innovations in the field of palliative care. Abstracts are welcome for both Oral Presentations and E-Posters across a wide range of themes.”
Don’t miss this opportunity to contribute to the growing body of knowledge and connect with the palliative care community.
For abstract submission and to avail early bird registration with combo offers, visit the conference website: www.iapcon2026hyd.com
For queries: scientificiapcon2026@gmail.com | +91 85952 51325
Together, let’s shape the future of palliative care!
The IJPC’s April – June 2025 edition is now online
The current issue of the Indian Journal of Palliative Care (IJPC), specifically features the oral and poster presentation abstracts of the 32nd Annual International Conference of IAPC (IAPCON 2025) held between Friday, 31st January, 2025 and Sunday, 2nd February, 2025 at AIIMS Jammu.
The current issue also features a wide range of original articles related to End-of-Life care, Interventions for heart disease, etc. Please click here to read the current issue (Volume 31 | Issue 2 | April-June 2025) of the IJPC.
The IJPC is the IAPC’s open-access peer-reviewed journal which is committed to publishing high-quality articles in the field of Palliative Care.
Please click here for further information about IJPC.
Nurses Day Celebration by IAPC and APM
In commemoration of the International Nurses Day (12th May, 2025) the Indian Association of Palliative Care and Academy of Palliative Medicine (APM) jointly organised unique events to celebrate our incredible Palliative Care Nurses — the true “Angels on Earth”. Their compassion, expertise, and dedication light up countless lives, every single day!
Infographic to honor Palliative Care Nurses: Our True “Angels on Earth”
A special infographic was presented to honor Palliative Care Nurses, Our True “Angels on Earth”, in recognition of their invaluable service to humanity.
This Infographic is available on IAPC’s social media platforms and website. Please click here to access the same.
This infographic was conceptualised by Dr Wasimul Hoda (Fellow in Pain Medicine, Department of Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, AIIMS New Delhi) with insightful contributions from Ms. Anna Rao (Nursing Tutor, Bhaikaka University, Anand, Gujarat).
Photography Competition: Winners Announced!
Academy of Palliative Medicine (APM) organized a unique initiative — “Through Your Lens: Capture a Moment, Tell a Story.” This heartfelt campaign invited palliative care nurses to submit photos that reflect the compassion, resilience, and dignity woven into their daily work.
The contest received inspiring entries from across the country, with three outstanding submissions recognized:
First Place: Ms. Pruthvini P. R.
From SVYM Palliative Care Program, Hassan, for “Conditions Apply” — a powerful portrayal of the enduring love and attentive care shared between a bedridden patient and her devoted husband.
Second Place: Ms. Suhani Chavan
From SVYM Palliative Care Program, Dharwad, for “Positive Tension” — highlighting the strength found in compassionate home visits and the quiet determination of family support.
Third Place: Radha
From SVYM Palliative Care Program, Mysuru, for “Deja Vu” — capturing her deeply personal journey from loss to healing as she embraces each patient as her own family.
A heartfelt thank you and congratulations to all the nurses who participated and shared their stories with such honesty and grace.
Please click here to see the photographs
Commendations – ‘Celebrating the Heart of Palliative Care’
The Academy of Palliative Medicine (APM) received an overwhelming response to the initiative a ‘Call for Commendations’ from doctors- a heartfelt tribute to Nurses working in palliative care-who exemplifies the true spirit of care.
On this occasion, the team APM expresses a warm thank you to all the doctors who took the time to share their moving reflections and commendations.
Please click here to read the inspiring commendations
Applications Are OPEN for the Cynthia Goh Fellowship 2025!
If you’re a medical doctor and passionate about making palliative care accessible across the Asia-Pacific region, this is your opportunity to step up and lead.
Applications for the Cynthia Goh Palliative Care Fellowship for 2025 are OPEN NOW!
Established in memory of Professor Cynthia Goh, a pioneer in Singapore’s palliative care movement, this fellowship supports emerging leaders committed to compassionate care.
The fellows will have the opportunity to receive specialized training & expert mentorship, will be a part of a strong network of palliative care changemakers, and a platform to lead impactful regional initiatives. Don’t miss out this opportunity! Find out more and apply today.
‘Singing for the Stars’: Update from the May 2025 event
The May 2025 edition of ‘Singing for the Stars’, was held at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, 21st May, 2025.
The marvelous virtual program of soulful harmonies was presented by Ms Silpamudra Jagadev, a Vocalist, Performing artist and a dedicated music educator at Shankar Mahadevan Academy (SMA) Nirvana. The mesmerising performance by Ms Jagadev enthralled the audience. Her melodious voice was cherished by all.
"Very nice program...and very nice singing done..." – Iqbal Bahar
"Thank you for this wonderful program! You healed me inside out. Thanks a lot" – Manisha Anwekar
Our cherished singer, Ms. Rajni Yadre, delivered a soulful song that motivated and touched everyone’s heart.
Dr. Geeta Joshi (President, IAPC), extended her congratulations and sincere gratitude to Ms. Silpamudra Jagadev, Ms. Rajni Yadre, the participants, and the SMA Nirvana team, during the live program.
Team SMA Nirvana extended their gratitude to all those who joined the program and for spreading smiles during the show.
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 Nurse at AIIMS, Jodhpur, Rajasthan
- Project Coordinator at AIIMS, Jodhpur, Rajasthan
- Fellow in Pediatric Palliative Medicine at Bai Jerbai Wadia Hospital for Children, Maharashtra
- Clinical Psychologist at Tata Memorial Centre, Uttar Pradesh
- Senior Resident at Kasturba Medical College, Karnataka
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.