Announcements / Messages from IAPC
IAPC’s Infographic of the month: ‘Neuropalliative Care’
As a part of the ongoing series on “Integrating Palliative Care across Medical Specialities”, we are delighted to present the IAPC Infographic for March 2026: Neuropalliative 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.
Indian Association of Palliative Care Announces Election of members to Executive Committee
The Indian Association of Palliative Care (IAPC) is pleased to announce the successful conclusion of the 2026 IAPC elections and the formal induction of the newly elected executive committee members. This marks the beginning of a new chapter in the association’s leadership and strategic vision for advancing palliative care across India.
Executive Committee (IAPC) Regional Representatives:
- Hon Secretary – Dr Sanghamitra Bora, Chief Executive Officer, Mahavir Seva Sadan, Kolkata, West Bengal
- Hon Treasurer – Dr Mayur Ghoghari, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Palliative Medicine, Rohilkhand Cancer Institute, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh.
- Western Region – Dr Ashwin Mathur, Senior Professor and Head, Department of Palliative Medicine, SMS Hospital, Jaipur, Rajasthan
- Northern Region – Dr. Brajesh Kumar Ratre, Associate Professor, Onco-Anaesthesia and Palliative Medicine, AIIMS, New Delhi & Dr Himanshu Prince, Associate Professor, U.P University of Medical Sciences, Saifai, Etawah.
- Southern Region – Dr. Praneeth Suvvari, Consultant and Incharge, Department of pain and palliative medicine, Basavatarakam Indo American Cancer Hospital and Research Institute, Hyderabad & Dr Divya Narayana, CMO, Military hospital Chennai
- Eastern Region – Dr. Rudranil Nand, Consultant, Department of Oncoanesthesia, Tata Medical Center, Kolkata & Dr Shikhar More, Consultant, Department of Onco-Anesthesia, Tata Medical Center, Kolkata.
- North-Eastern Region – Dr HK Das, Deputy Director, Division of Epidemiology & Nutrition, ICMR- RMRC, NE Region, Dibrugarh, Assam & Dr. Obangjungla, Former Joint Director, Health and Family Welfare, Nagaland.
- Editor IJPC (2026-27) – Dr Raghu Thota, Professor, Department of Palliative Medicine, Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra.
Message from the newly elected Hon Secretary of IAPC Dr Sanghamitra Bora
“As the Honorary Secretary of Indian Association of Palliative Care, I envision the next three years as a period of inclusive growth, regional equity, and renewed collective purpose in advancing palliative care across India.
A special focus will be the Northeast, a region where many dedicated individuals and organisations are working tirelessly, often with limited visibility and support. Our goal is to bring these efforts under a collaborative platform, fostering shared learning, mentorship, and sustainable expansion of services.
At the grassroots level, we aim to integrate palliative care within the Panchayati Raj system by strengthening local capacity, ensuring access to essential medicines including pain relief, and nurturing trained community volunteers. Community ownership will be central to this vision.
We also seek to strengthen research and academic standards by encouraging collaboration among institutions with established palliative care centres, promoting uniform training, innovation, and evidence-based practice across diverse care settings.
Finally, we will advocate for stronger recognition of home-based palliative care and expanded insurance coverage, so that no patient is denied compassionate care due to geography or finances.
As Honorary Secretary, I am committed to fostering collaboration, strengthening systems, and ensuring that compassionate, quality palliative care becomes accessible to every community in our country.”
IAPCON 2026 Sets a New Benchmark in Palliative Care
The 33rd Annual International Conference of the Indian Association of Palliative Care concluded in Hyderabad with remarkable participation, academic depth, and organisational innovation. Organised by Sparsh Hospice and Basavatarakam Indo American Cancer Hospital and Research Institute, IAPCON 2026 was anchored on the theme Continuum of Care Hospital Hospice and Home. The conference brought together more than 650 delegates including clinicians, nurses, researchers, educators, volunteers, and policy advocates from across India and abroad, reaffirming the central role of integrated palliative care within the healthcare system.
The three-day scientific programme reflected a deliberate shift towards embedding palliative care across disciplines and disease trajectories. Dedicated tracks addressed non oncological palliative care including nephrology, cardiology, and neurology, highlighting the growing need for symptom management in chronic organ failure. Sessions on paediatric palliative care, psychosocial support, research, education, community-based models, policy engagement, and home care ensured representation of the full spectrum of providers and settings. Collaborative academic sessions with international partners enriched the dialogue and strengthened global alignment.
Major highlights included the IAPC Oration Lecture, presentation of prestigious national awards, launch of the IAPC mobile app, release of new educational resources, and recognition of excellence in oral and poster presentations across professional categories. The conference also featured innovative formats such as the Silent Conference model, sustainability focused green initiatives, and the Hospice Pitch platform encouraging viable service models. Sixteen preconference workshops conducted across multiple venues further deepened capacity building efforts with strong faculty and delegate participation. Beyond academic excellence, IAPCON 2026 successfully integrated culture, community, and collective purpose, strengthening the shared vision of advancing quality palliative care across India.
Read the full conference report and detailed highlights here.
IAPCON 2027 Announced : 34th International Conference of IAPC
Theme: Humanising High Tech Medicine
The Indian Association of Palliative Care announces IAPCON 2027, the 34th International Conference of IAPC, to be hosted in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, by the Department of Pain and Palliative Medicine, IMS and SUM Hospital, SOA University.
With the theme Humanising High Tech Medicine, the conference will examine how advances such as artificial intelligence, precision prognostication, regenerative therapies, and digital health can be integrated with the core values of dignity, compassion, and personalised palliative care.
Prof. Sukdev Nayak, HOD, Department of Palliative Medicine, IMS and SUM Hospital will be the Organising Secretary. The Scientific Committee will be chaired by Prof Dr Sumita Mohanty, Head, Palliative Medicine, AHPGIC, Cuttack.
For registration-related queries, delegates may contact Dr. Subhamay Nanda, Treasurer (Mob: 8328929692) until the official conference website becomes functional.
Registration has commenced, with a special discounted category available until 15th March 2026.
| Registration Categories | SPECIAL DISCOUNT 15th Mar 2026 (INR) | EARLY BIRD 31st July, 2026 (INR) | REGULAR FEE till 31st January, 2026 (INR) | SPOT 1st February, 2026 (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Veteran IAPC Members (>70 years) | 4,500 | 5,000 | 5,000 | 5,000 |
| Doctor (IAPC Member) | 5,841 | 6,490 | 8,614 | 10,030 |
| Doctor (Non-IAPC member) | 7,253 | 8,614 | 11,446 | 12,930 |
| Nurse, Physiotherapist, Psychologist | 5,310 | 5,900 | 7,080 | 8,614 |
| Social worker, Volunteer, Students | 4,248 | 4,720 | 4,720 | 4,720 |
| Accompanying person | 4,248 | 4,720 | 4,720 | 4,720 |
Standards for Pediatric Palliative Care in India: A Consensus Document
The Indian Association of Palliative Care is pleased to announce the release of Standards for Pediatric Palliative Care in India: A Consensus Document, a landmark publication developed through a rigorous national consensus process.
This document defines contextually relevant standards for pediatric palliative care across ten key domains, including symptom assessment and management, drug availability, care of the dying child, transition of care, perinatal and neonatal palliative care, community based care, education and training, ethics and law, policy and governance, and research and quality improvement. The standards are aligned with global principles while being tailored to the realities of the Indian healthcare system, with clear guidance for implementation at primary, secondary, and tertiary levels of care.
Developed with contributions from multidisciplinary experts, policymakers, international collaborators, and families, this consensus document aims to guide clinical practice, service development, training, advocacy, and policy integration across the country.
We invite clinicians, administrators, educators, policymakers, and community stakeholders to review and adopt these standards in strengthening pediatric palliative care services nationwide.
IAPC Theme Song and Mobile App Launched at IAPCON 2026
A defining moment of IAPCON 2026 was the formal unveiling of the IAPC Theme Song during the inaugural ceremony. The theme song represents the shared values of compassion, dignity, continuity, and collective responsibility that underpin palliative care in India. More than a symbolic gesture, it serves as a unifying cultural milestone for the national palliative care community, reinforcing a common identity and mission across regions and disciplines.
The Theme Song Award was later presented to the joint winners Dr Geeta Joshi, Ahmedabad and Mr Umesh Pandey from Siliguri, recognising creativity and commitment to the spirit of palliative care.
Another major milestone was the launch of the IAPC Mobile App, introduced during the inaugural function. The app includes a dedicated section for IAPCON 2026 with comprehensive conference information and updates. Designed as a digital resource platform, it enhances accessibility to event details and strengthens member engagement through a technology enabled interface. The app will continue to serve IAPC beyond the conference to facilitate communication and coordination. The launch reflects IAPC’s commitment to digital innovation and integration.
Together, the Theme Song and the Mobile App represent two complementary dimensions of IAPC’s growth: cultural consolidation and technological advancement, both aimed at strengthening the continuum of palliative care across the country.
Click here to download the app.
Maharashtra Rolls Out the National Program for Palliative Care
The Government of Maharashtra has formally rolled out the National Program for Palliative Care across the state, marking a significant step toward strengthening care for individuals living with chronic, life limiting, and incurable illnesses. The initiative was launched by Shri. Prakash Abitkar, State Health Minister of Maharashtra.
The state model places strong emphasis on home based palliative care delivered at the grass root level. Community linked services are designed to ensure that patients receive symptom management, psychosocial support, and continuity of care within their homes whenever feasible. This decentralised approach aims to reduce unnecessary hospital admissions and improve quality of life for patients and families.
In addition, rural hospitals and district hospitals have designated beds specifically for palliative care patients. These facilities are intended to support patients who require inpatient symptom stabilisation, end of life care, or complex management beyond what can be provided at home. By integrating community services with secondary level hospital infrastructure, Maharashtra is operationalising a continuum of care framework under the NPPC.
This model reflects a structured effort to embed palliative care within the public health system, ensuring accessibility, equity, and system level integration across both rural and district settings.
Singing for the Stars – A Virtual Evening of Harmonies
Update from February 2026 Event
The Indian Association of Palliative Care (IAPC), in collaboration with Shankar Mahadevan Academy – SMA Nirvana, successfully hosted “Singing for the Stars”, a virtual musical evening on 18th February 2026, dedicated to individuals in care and their caregivers. Conceived as a soulful tribute to those at the heart of palliative care, the programme created a warm and reflective space, celebrating compassion, resilience, and human connection through music. The event was well received by participants across the country and stood out as a meaningful and memorable experience for all who attended.
The evening was beautifully led by Ms Himangi Vishwaroop, acclaimed vocalist, music composer, and performing artist and The Sounds of Muses. Their evocative and heartfelt renditions deeply touched the audience, bringing moments of comfort, calm, and joy. Participants also enjoyed songs by Ms Jyoti (Nurse, Respite Care Centre, TMH, Mumbai). Doctors, nurses, volunteers, and other healthcare professionals joined the programme, making it a truly inclusive celebration. IAPC extends its warm congratulations to Ms Vishwaroop and to all those who contributed to making this programme a memorable event.
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:
- Medical Officer at Defeat-NCD India Foundation, Goa & Uttar Pradesh
- Senior Palliative Care Physician at Defeat-NCD India Foundation, Goa & Uttar Pradesh
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.