Awards and Recognitions
Heartiest Congratulations to Dr Armida Fernandez on receiving the Padma Shri!
The Indian Association of Palliative Care (IAPC) extends its heartfelt congratulations to Dr Armida Fernandez on receiving the prestigious Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian honours, from the Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, at the investiture ceremony held on 23rd June 2026.
An eminent neonatologist and visionary healthcare leader, Dr Fernandez has made pioneering contributions to the fields of neonatology, maternal and child health, nutrition, and community-based public health. She is credited with establishing Asia’s first human milk bank and has dedicated her service to advancing the health and well-being of mothers, children, and underserved communities.
Through her NGO, SNEHA, she has worked tirelessly to improve health care for underserved communities, creating a lasting impact on countless lives.
The palliative care community also acknowledges Dr Fernandez’s significant contributions to the field. She founded the Romila Palliative Care Centre in Mumbai in loving memory of her daughter, creating a legacy of compassionate care for patients and families facing serious illness.
She was also instrumental in developing Paediatric Palliative Care services at Sion Hospital, Mumbai, helping to advance holistic care for children with serious health conditions and their families.
This well-deserved recognition celebrates a lifetime of service, innovation, compassion, and leadership in healthcare.
The entire IAPC community joins in celebrating this remarkable achievement and salutes Dr Armida Fernandez for her extraordinary contributions to medicine and humanity.
Congratulations, Dr Armida Fernandez!
IDEA-PC Award Presented to Dr Avinash Kumar Tiwari at ASCO Annual Meeting- 2026
The International Development and Education Award in Palliative Care (IDEA-PC) 2026, conferred by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), was presented to Dr Avinash Kumar Tiwari. He received this distinguished honour during the 62nd ASCO Annual Meeting, held in Chicago, USA, from 29th May to 2nd June 2026.
Dr Tiwari serves as the Director, Department of Pain, Palliative Care and Supportive Oncology, at Sanjeevani Cancer Care Hospital, Raipur, Chhattisgarh.
Belonging to the first generation of MD Palliative Medicine specialists in India, Dr Tiwari returned to his home state of Chhattisgarh after completing his postgraduate training and has since been at the forefront of developing palliative care and pain management services in the state. Through his leadership, a 10-bedded hospice and respite care facility has been established and is now providing care in Raipur. A National Faculty member of the Indian Association of Palliative Care (IAPC), Dr Tiwari has also been actively contributing to the advancement of palliative care education in India.
Reflecting on this achievement, Dr Tiwari said, “I am deeply honoured to be selected for this prestigious international award, which recognises emerging leaders committed to advancing palliative care and improving the quality of life of patients with serious illnesses. I am grateful for the opportunity to participate in the ASCO Annual Meeting in Chicago, USA, followed by a clinical observership at The Elizabeth Hospice, San Diego, under the mentorship of global leaders in palliative care. I remain committed to translating these learnings into improved patient care, education, advocacy, and service development, particularly in underserved regions such as my home state of Chhattisgarh.”
Congratulations to Dr Tiwari on this well-deserved recognition. We wish him continued success in his efforts to advance palliative care services and education in India.
Keraliyam Award Presented to Dr Chitra Venkateswaran
We are delighted to share that Dr Chitra Venkateswaran has been honoured with the Keraliyam N.R. Harikumar Award in recognition of her exceptional contributions across the intersecting domains of psychiatry, mental health and community-based palliative care.
Dr Venkateswaran received the award from the Honourable Health Minister, Sri K. Muraleedharan, Government of Kerala, at a ceremony held in Thiruvananthapuram on 25th June 2026.
Founded by Dr Chitra Venkateswaran in 2008, the Mental Health Care & Research Foundation (Mehac) is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to providing accessible mental healthcare, with the aim of improving the quality of life of individuals living with mental health conditions and their families. Over the past 18 years, the foundation has delivered care to nearly 10,000 beneficiaries across Kerala, with 98% of those served belonging to low-income families.
Congratulations to Dr Chitra Venkateswaran on this well-deserved recognition
Congratulations to Dr Republica Sridhar on Receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award
The Indian Association of Palliative Care (IAPC) extends its heartfelt congratulations to Dr Republica Sridhar, Chairman, RMD Specialities Hospitals, Chennai, on receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her exemplary contributions to healthcare over the past three decades. Dr Republica Sridhar has played a pivotal role in advancing palliative care services in Tamil Nadu.
The award was presented during The Medin Health Conference, held from 13th to 14th June 2026 at the Chennai Trade Centre, by the Honourable Speaker of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, Sri J. C. D. Prabhakar. The conference brought together doctors from various specialties, scientists, and industry leaders to foster innovation and collaboration in healthcare. Dr Republica Sridhar and Dr Gauthaman Kalamegam (Medical Director, RMD Specialities Hospitals,Chennai) were invited as speakers at the conference.
Distinguished dignitaries present at the award ceremony included Dr H. V. Hande (former Health Minister of Tamil Nadu), Dr Palani G. Periasamy (Economist and Entrepreneur), and Mr Prabu Ganapathy (Chairman, Medin).
Receiving the award, Dr Republica Sridhar shared, “I am honoured to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award. It is a moment of pride and gratitude!”
We wish Dr Republica Sridhar continued success in her inspiring journey.
Celebrating Dr Divya Sai’s Achievement
Dr Vanumu Divya Sai was felicitated at a function organised by Basavatarakam Indo American Cancer Hospital & Research Institute (BIACHRI), Hyderabad, in recognition of her outstanding achievement of securing First Rank in the DNB Palliative Medicine Examination and receiving the NBEMS President’s Gold Medal – 2026. Dr Divya Sai completed her DNB in Palliative Medicine at BIACHRI.
In recognition of her exceptional accomplishment, she was presented with a Gold Medal by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Shri N. Chandrababu Naidu. The felicitation ceremony was graced by Padma Bhushan Shri Nandamuri Balakrishna (Chairman, BIACHRI), along with several distinguished dignitaries including Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu (Honourable Former Vice President of India), Smt. Anupriya Patel (Honourable Union Minister of State, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare), and Shri Damodar Raja Narasimha (Honourable Health Minister, Telangana).
We congratulate Dr Divya Sai on this well-deserved honour and wish her continued success. May she receive many more accolades and continue to make valuable contributions to the field of palliative care.
IPM–Malabar CareConnect: Leveraging Technology to Strengthen Palliative Care Delivery and Education
The Institute of Palliative Medicine (IPM) and Malabar Charitable Trust, the CSR initiative of Malabar Gold and Diamonds formalised a landmark partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 9th June 2026 at the Institute of Palliative Medicine, Kozhikode, Kerala.
The partnership marks the launch of IPM- Malabar CareConnect, an ambitious initiative to enhance access to palliative care through digital innovation, teleconsultations, online education, professional training, and community engagement. By bringing together Malabar Group’s strong commitment to corporate social responsibility and IPM’s three decades of leadership in community-based palliative care, the initiative aims to bridge gaps in care, strengthen healthcare capacity, and make compassionate, person-centred care more accessible to individuals and families across Kerala and beyond.
Distinguished dignitaries present at the ceremony included Shri M. P. Ahammed (Chairman, Malabar Group), Shri U. V. Jose, (IAS (Retd.), Head of Public Affairs, Malabar Group), Dr Suresh Kumar, (Director, WHO Collaborating Centre, IPM), Mr A. K. Nishad (Executive Director, Malabar Group) Ar. Vinod Cyriac (Chairman, Indian Institute of Architects, Kerala Chapter), and Dr Mujeeb Rahman (Director, IPM).
Second Livelihood Support Initiative Inaugurated under the Model Village of Palliative Care Project in Mayong, Assam
The Palliative Care Team at Dr B. Borooah Cancer Institute (BBCI), Guwahati, is delighted to share that the second grocery shop established under the Financial Rehabilitation Scheme of the Model Village of Palliative Care Project was inaugurated at Mayong, Assam, on 19 June 2026. The beneficiary is a survivor receiving home-based palliative care services from BBCI.
The Financial Rehabilitation Scheme is one of the livelihood initiatives under the Model Village of Palliative Care Project, implemented by BBCI to improve the quality of life of individuals living with chronic or serious illnesses and their families through holistic care, community participation, and sustainable livelihood support. Launched in 2022, the project covers nine villages in the greater Mayong area and integrates home-based care, volunteer support, awareness programmes, caregiver training, and financial rehabilitation for individuals receiving care and their families.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mrs Indrani Das, Mrs Shipra Bhattacharjee, and Mr Amit Sengupta for their wholehearted support in helping realise this initiative,” said Dr Kabindra Bhagabati, In-charge, Department of Palliative Medicine, BBCI, Guwahati.
Congratulations to the entire BBCI Palliative Care Team on this inspiring initiative. We wish you continued success!
Integrating Yoga and Music Therapy into Palliative Care: An initiative by KMIO, Bengaluru
The Department of Pain and Palliative Medicine at Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology (KMIO), Bengaluru, has introduced weekly yoga and music therapy sessions for people living with cancer and their caregivers as part of its commitment to providing holistic palliative care.
The initiative aims to address the emotional, psychological, and social challenges that often accompany serious illness.
According to Dr Yadhuraj M. K. (Head, Department of Pain and Palliative Medicine), these complementary therapies are intended to supplement, not replace, clinical care by providing moments of comfort, reflection, and connection during the cancer journey. The sessions are conducted within the palliative care wards, making them accessible even to patients with limited mobility.
Congratulations to the Department of Pain and Palliative Medicine at KMIO for this thoughtful initiative towards advancing holistic, person-centred palliative care
Mahaveer Ashray Hospice, Sriperumbudur, Steps into Its 10th Year of Service
Mahaveer Ashray, the dedicated hospice facility of the Cancer Institute (WIA), Adyar, celebrated its 10th year of service on 27th June 2026 at Sriperumbudur. The celebration was held as part of the Centenary Year celebrations of Padma Vibhushan Dr V. Shanta, former Chairperson of the Cancer Institute (WIA), Adyar.
Established in 2017, the hospice provides free, holistic palliative and hospice care to individuals with advanced cancer, ensuring the best possible quality of life through comprehensive physical, psychological, social, and spiritual care.
The celebration beautifully reflected the essence of hospice care—celebrating life until the very last moment while supporting the suffering individuals and their families.
The programme commenced with an invocation song by Dr. Praveena, followed by the Cancer Institute Signature Song. Dr. Thendral (Assistant Professor and In-charge of Mahaveer Ashray), welcomed the gathering.
Reflecting on Mahaveer Ashray’s nine-year journey, Dr Kalpana Balakrishnan (Director & CEO, Cancer Institute (WIA)), recalled how the vision of the late Dr V. Krishnamurthy and Dr V. Shanta was realised through the generosity of Mr Sugal Chand Jain and the Singhvi Charitable Trust, whose donation of the land and hospice building made the facility possible. She reiterated the hospice’s mission of providing free, compassionate care to all patients with advanced cancer, irrespective of their treating institution, and acknowledged the invaluable contributions of the multi-disciplinary team including nurses, support staff, volunteers, and healthcare professionals.
A commemorative video documenting the hospice’s journey was released by Mr Nanda Kishore, followed by addresses from Mr. Arumugam Dakshinamoorthy (DD Power), Ms. Sara Benjamin Cherian (Cherian foundation), Mrs. Geetha (Vijayageetham Foundation), and Chief Guest Mr. Vinod Kumar (Singhvi Charitable Trust), all of whom highlighted the importance of compassionate, holistic care and reflected on their longstanding association with Mahaveer Ashray.
The most moving part of the programme was the sharing of experiences by bereaved family members, who remembered Mahaveer Ashray as “a home, never a hospital,” and expressed gratitude for the dignity, comfort, and support their loved ones received.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Daniel Raj Joseph Thangasamy, followed by cultural performances by hospice staff, volunteers, and students. Nearly 100 participants, including around 30 bereaved family members, attended the celebration.