Awards and Recognitions
Sparsh Hospice, Hyderabad Receives NABH Accreditation
Congratulations!
We are delighted to share that Sparsh Hospice, Hyderabad has achieved a landmark milestone by earning NABH Accreditation, becoming the first hospice in India to receive this prestigious recognition. The four-year accreditation, valid from 2nd July 2026 to 1st July 2030, reflects the hospice’s sustained commitment to maintaining the highest standards of quality and safety.
“This recognition reflects our unwavering commitment to safe, compassionate, and high-quality palliative and hospice care. This journey was made possible by the dedication of our doctors, nurses, caregivers, attendants, administrators, volunteers, donors, and well-wishers, who worked together to strengthen processes, uphold standards, and keep quality at the heart of care”, the Team Sparsh reflected on their proud journey.
Emphasising their vision and mission, the team further shared, “Clearing the assessment with minimal remarks is a testament to the strength of our systems and the passion of our people. As we celebrate, we renew our promise to bring comfort, dignity, and hope to every family we serve.”
Neuropalliative Care Ward Inaugurated
Meanwhile, a dedicated Neuropalliative Care Ward has commenced operations at Sparsh Hospice. This service was inaugurated on 19th July, 2026 by Hon’ble Union Cabinet Minister Shri G. Kishan Reddy.
The facility will provide affordable, specialised care for individuals living with advanced neurological illnesses who require long-term nursing and palliative care support, while easing the caregiving burden on their families.
Heartiest congratulations to Team Sparsh on this proud achievement. We wish the team continued success in their mission of serving individuals and families with dignity, comfort, and hope.
Dr Lulu Mathews Receives Kairali Television’s Best Doctor Award 2026
The Indian Association of Palliative Care (IAPC) is delighted to congratulate Dr Lulu Mathews, a pioneering paediatric palliative care physician, on receiving the Best Doctor Award 2026 from Kairali Television.
With over four decades of distinguished service in paediatrics, medical education, and paediatric palliative care, Dr Lulu Mathews currently serves as the Program Director (Academics) at the Institute of Palliative Medicine, Kozhikode. She has played a pivotal role in advancing palliative care education in India.
As the Chairperson, Board of Examiners, IAPC (2012–2025), she led the Foundation Course in Essentials of Palliative Care (FCEPC), IAPC’s flagship educational programme, through which more than 11,000 clinicians have been trained across 50 centres nationwide. She is also the editor of the Textbook of Essentials of Palliative Care and has served on the Editorial Board of the Indian Journal of Palliative Care.
A former Head of the Department of Paediatrics, Government Medical College, Kozhikode, she was instrumental in establishing services for children with cancer and chronic illnesses such as ‘We Care’ and’ Caring for Children with Cancer and Chronic Illnesses’. Since joining IPM in 2009, she has led the development of paediatric palliative care services.
Reflecting on the honour, Dr Lulu Mathews shared, “This award is a recognition of paediatric palliative care as a speciality. I am happy that this recognition will create awareness about the need to develop paediatric palliative care.”
Dr Lulu Mathews will receive the award on 1 August 2026 at 6:00 p.m. at the IMA House, Kochi.
Heartiest congratulations to Dr Lulu Mathews on this well-deserved recognition.
Dr Kamalakar Rao Vujjini Receives Dr A. P. J. Abdul Kalam Excellence Award
Dr Kamalakar Rao Vujjini, Palliative Care Physician at Sparsh Hospice, Hyderabad, was honoured with the Dr A. P. J. Abdul Kalam Excellence Award for Palliative Care and Hospice Services, instituted by Act Now, an NGO, on the occasion of National Doctors’ Day (1st July 2026).
With over 11 years of dedicated service in palliative care, Dr Vujjini has been at the forefront of providing holistic palliative care through inpatient, outpatient, and home-based services across Telangana. His expertise includes family counselling, advance care planning, and ethical decision-making.
Reflecting on the honour, Dr Vujjini shared, “This award belongs to every patient, family, and hospice team I’ve had the privilege to serve. It reinforces my commitment to ensuring that every patient receives compassionate, dignified, and holistic palliative care.”
Heartiest congratulations to Dr Kamalakar Rao Vujjini on this well-deserved recognition. We wish him continued success.