Awards and Recognitions
Dr Anuja Damani appointed as Professor and Head of the Unit at the Department of Palliative Medicine and Supportive Care, KMC, MAHE, Manipal – A proud milestone for palliative medicine postgraduate training in India
We are delighted to share that Dr. Anuja Damani has been appointed as Professor and Head of Unit—a remarkable achievement and historic first for any MD or DNB in Palliative Medicine in India, marking a moment of immense pride and joy for the entire palliative care community.
Dr. Damani’s journey from being one of the first palliative medicine post graduate resident to completing her MD in 2015 from Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai and taking up this distinguished leadership role is a testament to her dedication, academic excellence, and unwavering commitment to the field. Her success marks a significant milestone and serves as a beacon of inspiration and hope for all MD and DNB Palliative Medicine graduates. Her achievement is not only a personal triumph but also a symbol of what’s possible for those pursuing a career in palliative medicine.
On this occasion, Dr Damani proudly shares: “As I step into this new role, I carry with me a deep sense of gratitude and purpose. This achievement is a reflection of the collective strength, passion, and perseverance of all my mentors, colleagues, and the incredible teams at Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, and Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, who have walked this journey with me. My vision is rooted in collaboration, to continue fostering a culture of compassionate, team-based care and to work towards building accessible, sustainable palliative care models across India. I believe that the future of palliative care depends on integrated efforts that honour patient dignity, support caregivers, and bridge institutional, community, and policy-level gaps. Together, let’s strive to make quality palliative care not just a speciality but a standard—reaching those who need it most and when they need it the most.”
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Damani on this well-deserved recognition!
Honouring Excellence: Ms. Sangeetha Murugan Shines at National Nursing Conclave
In another proud moment, Ms. Sangeetha Murugan, (Head of Nursing Education, Karunashraya) was invited as an eminent panellist at the prestigious 9th Edition of the Nursing Conclave 2025, held on 19th June at ITC Sonar, Kolkata. The national conclave, themed “Emerging Technologies, Redefining Care”, brought together thought leaders to shape the future of nursing practice and education.
Ms. Sangeetha delivered an impactful presentation during the session titled: “Innovative Approach in Nursing Education – Classroom to Special Care Areas,” inspiring over 550 participants with her experience, insights, and vision for palliative care nursing.
The conclave was graced by the Chief Guest: Ms. Moumita Godara IAS, (Dept. of Health & Family Welfare, Govt. of West Bengal), Dignitaries: Mr. Debashis Dutta (West Bengal State Council, BGS Group) and Mr. Samarpreet Singh (Co-Chairman, CII; Director, JIS Group)
Congratulations, Ms. Sangeetha for championing innovation in nursing education on a national platform.
A New Chapter Begins: Palliative Care Finds a Home at Apollo Hospitals Delhi
In a significant milestone for corporate healthcare in India, Apollo Hospitals Delhi has announced the formal launch of its Pain and Palliative Care Department, aimed at delivering comprehensive, compassionate care for patients living with chronic pain and serious illnesses. This new initiative reflects a growing recognition of the need for integrated palliative care across all healthcare sectors.
The launch event on 14th June 2025 featured a powerful 90-minute program titled “Palliative Care in Continuum of Care – Why Should it Matter to Us?”. The session opened with Dr. Naveen Salins (Professor and Head, Palliative Medicine and Supportive Care, KMC, MAHE, Manipal), who compellingly addressed “Why hospitals need dedicated palliative care programs?”. This was followed by a thought-provoking legal perspective by Ms. Dhvani Mehta, who emphasized that the legal framework in India supports ethical and best-practice end-of-life care.
The heart of the event was a series of case-based discussions with leading consultants, including Dr. Roop Gursahani (Section Head, Consultant, Neurology, PD hinduja hospital and medical research centre) and Dr Raj Kumar Mani (Director, Clinical Services, Pulmonology and Critical Care, Yashoda Super Specialty Hospital, Kaushambi, Ghaziabad), demonstrating real-world integration of palliative care into hospital settings. The program was well-attended by a multidisciplinary audience and received with enthusiasm.
This development also marks a personal and professional milestone for Dr Sushma Bhatnagar (Clinical Lead and Senior Consultant, Pain and Palliative Medicine, Onco-Critical Care and Onco-Anaesthesia). She expressed that “after 35 years of service in the government sector, making the transition to a corporate hospital environment was a bold and challenging decision. The initial weeks were overwhelming, but with determination and a clear vision, the foundation for a structured palliative care program at Apollo has now been laid”.
The Indian Association of Palliative Care warmly congratulates Dr. Sushma Bhatnagar and the entire team at Apollo Hospitals Delhi on this achievement.
JASCAP extends support to 18 students on its 29th Foundation Day
The journey of palliative care does not end with the patient care—it extends to the family, especially when loss leaves behind children with interrupted dreams. Recognizing this, JASCAP, an NGO associated with the Department of Palliative Medicine at Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai, has been quietly and consistently bridging hope for bereaved families through meaningful rehabilitation initiatives.
A major pillar of this work is supporting the education of children who often step into the role of caregiver when a parent is under palliative care, sacrificing their own schooling and future in the process. This not only deepens emotional distress but sets off a cycle of financial toxicity and economic decline.
To break this cycle, JASCAP has enabled over 1,000 families to re-enter the mainstream by restoring the educational path of affected children. Remarkably, many of these interventions begin while the patient is still alive, offering comfort in their final days by assuring them that their children’s futures are secure.
On the occasion of its 29th Foundation Day, JASCAP supported yet another batch of 18 students, committing to fund their education until graduation—and, in some cases, assisting them with employment opportunities. This event was graced by, Dr. Navin Khattry (Deputy Director, ACTREC, Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai) and Dr. Siddharth Laskar (Deputy Director Academics, Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai). Drs. Shruti, Ashwini, Archa, and Sumit Jadhav were also present.
Team JASCAP, keep up the great work!
Caring for Our Elders: St. John’s Medical College and Hospital, Bengaluru Launches Dedicated Geriatric Services
We are pleased to announce the launch of the St. John’s Geriatric Centre (SJGC) at St. John’s Medical College Hospital, Bengaluru—a dedicated facility designed to meet the evolving healthcare needs of senior citizens with compassion and dignity. The SJGC offers comprehensive care services for individuals aged 60 and above, including:
- Senior Citizen OPD Clinic: Available every morning from Monday to Saturday
- Inpatient Services: Short-term stays (2–4 weeks) for:
- Transitional Care (post-acute hospital care)
- Respite Care (temporary relief for caregivers)
- Day Care Services
- Palliative and Hospice Care: Also available to patients under 60 if deemed eligible by the Department of Palliative Medicine
With ward options ranging from common and semi-private to single and deluxe rooms, SJGC offers a supportive environment tailored to the medical, emotional, and rehabilitative needs of older adults.
We extend our best wishes to the entire team at SJGC for the success of this noble initiative and for their continued efforts in enhancing the quality of life for senior citizens.
Kerala Launches Universal Palliative Care Project
The Kerala government has introduced the ‘Kerala Care’ Universal Palliative Care Project, a visionary initiative under the Navakeralam Action Plan’s Ardhram Mission 2, to ensure compassionate and comprehensive care for all bedridden and seriously ill patients across the state. The project was launched on 28th June, 2025 by the Hon. Chief minister Sri Pinarayi Vijayan at a function held in Kochi, Kerala. This state-wide Palliative Care Grid is coordinated by Kerala Digital University, integrating over 1,043 institutions—including NGOs, hospitals, and volunteer groups through a tech-enabled platform for registering and tracking patients, caregivers, volunteers, and healthcare providers. Over 7,765 volunteers committed to providing at least one hour per week of palliative support, each trained and monitored through the grid. The project reflects a powerful model of “compassionate governance,” aiming to bring together volunteers, local governments, healthcare providers, and NGOs under one coordinated system. This initiative represents a transformative leap in end-of-life and long-term care in India. It bridges Kerala’s compassionate heritage with modern technologies and comprehensive volunteer support.
May this inspiring initiative continue to grow and make a meaningful difference!