Awards and Recognitions
Dr M T Bhatia Honoured with IAPC’s Visionary Award
Dr M T Bhatia, Founder Secretary and a pioneer in palliative care in India, was honoured with the Visionary Award during the inaugural ceremony of the 33rd International Conference of the Indian Association of Palliative Care (IAPC) held from 13th to 15th February, 2026, in Hyderabad.
Instituted in 2026, the IAPC Visionary Award recognises and honours pioneers whose foresight, leadership, and sustained contributions have significantly advanced the growth of IAPC and the development of palliative care across the nation. Dr Bhatia’s foundational role and enduring commitment to the discipline make him a truly deserving recipient of this inaugural honour.
As Dr Bhatia was unable to be present in person for the award ceremony, Dr Bhavna C Patel (Associate Professor, Department of Palliative Medicine, Gujarat Cancer and Research Institute, Ahmedabad) received the award on his behalf.
The award was presented by the dignitaries at the inaugural session, including Dr K Ramesh Reddy (Vice Chancellor, Kaloji Narayana Rao University of Health Sciences), Dr Geeta Joshi (President, IAPC), Dr Raghu S. Thota (Former Secretary, IAPC), Dr M Subrahmaniam (Organising Chairperson, IAPCON 2026), Dr K Krishnaiah (CEO, Basavatarakam Indo American Cancer Hospital& Research Institute, Hyderabad) Dr S K V Raju (Organising Secretary, IAPCON 2026), and Dr Praneeth Suvvari (Scientific Chairperson, IAPCON 2026).
Col Yashavant Joshi shared a few reflections on the significance of the IAPC Visionary Award and the contributions of Dr Mohan T Bhatia to the field of Palliative Care. Dr Geeta Joshi, one of his students and President of IAPC said: “It is a matter of honour to express my heartfelt gratitude to a teacher who sowed the seeds of palliative care in my professional journey. “
Dr Mohan T Bhatia acknowledged the award and expressed his happiness with the progress of the Indian Association of Palliative Care over the last three decades. He emphasised that the patient should always remain the top priority for any palliative care physician in clinical practice.
The Indian Association of Palliative Care extends its heartfelt congratulations to Dr M T Bhatia on this prestigious recognition and expresses deep gratitude for his visionary leadership and invaluable contributions that have laid a strong foundation for palliative care in India.
Dr Sukdev Nayak Receives IAPC’s Oration Award
Dr Sukdev Nayak, former President of IAPC and a pioneer of palliative care in India, delivered the inaugural IAPC Oration Lecture on Saturday, 14th February 2026, during the 33rd International Conference of the Indian Association of Palliative Care (IAPCON 2026) held in Hyderabad.
Following the oration, Dr Nayak was honoured with the IAPC Oration Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the advancement of palliative care in the country. The award, comprising a memento and citation, was presented during the ceremony. As a mark of respect and honour, Dr Nayak was ceremonially draped with a shawl. The honours were conferred upon Dr Sukdev Nayak by the office bearers and senior members of the Indian Association of Palliative Care, including Dr Geeta Joshi (President, IAPC), Dr Raghu S. Thota (Former Secretary, IAPC), Dr S N Simha (Former President, IAPC), and Dr S K Chaturvedi. Also present on the occasion were Mrs Sukdev Nayak, Col Yashavant Joshi, Mr Noordheen, and Dr M Subrahmaniam.
The Indian Association of Palliative Care extends its warmest congratulations to Dr Sukdev Nayak on this distinguished honour. His lifelong dedication and leadership continue to inspire the palliative care community across the nation.
Dr Geeta Joshi and Mr Umesh Pandey Receive the IAPC Theme Song Award
The IAPC Theme Song Award was presented to Dr Geeta Joshi, Ahmedabad, and Mr Umesh Pandey, Siliguri, in recognition of their outstanding creativity and artistic excellence.
The award, comprising a cash prize of Rs. 11,000/- and a certificate, was presented during the valedictory function of the 33rd International Conference of the Indian Association of Palliative Care (IAPCON 2026) held on 15th February 2026 in Hyderabad.
The winning theme song was officially unveiled at the inaugural function of the conference, marking a proud and memorable moment for the Association.
Their entries were selected as the two winning submissions from sixteen highly creative entries received from across the country for the Theme Song Competition.
Heartiest congratulations to Dr Joshi and Mr Pandey on this well-deserved recognition.
Awards and Competition Winners at IAPCON 2026
The Indian Association of Palliative Care warmly congratulates all the winners of the various competitions and awards at IAPCON 2026. For details of the winners of competitions and awards, please click here.
Ms Saroja Gangaiah Felicitated for Her Service and Achievements in Palliative Care
Ms Saroja Gangaiah, Senior Pharmacist, Department of Palliative Medicine, Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Bengaluru, was honoured by Shree Music Academy for her dedicated service and significant contributions to Palliative Care.
During the Shree Music Sammelan Annual Meet 2026 – Sharifa Namana, held on 1 February 2026 at Shankara Auditorium, the Academy felicitated nine women achievers, including Ms Saroja Gangaiah, who have made meaningful contributions to society while excelling in their respective professions.
Heartiest congratulations to Ms Saroja Gangaiah on this well-deserved recognition.
Alpha Palliative Care, Thrissur Completes One Lakh Free Dialysis Sessions
Alpha Dialysis Centre, an initiative of Alpha Palliative Care, Thrissur, has achieved a remarkable milestone by completing one lakh free dialysis sessions in less than five years.
The Centre commenced operations in February 2021 with 15 dialysis machines under Alpha Hospice at Edamuttam, Thrissur, and has since witnessed significant expansion. It now operates 32 machines in three shifts daily, serving a large number of patients in need of life-sustaining care.
All dialysis machines at the Centre are sponsored by individuals and organisations, according to Alpha Chairman Mr K.M. Noordeen. The unit is managed by a committed team of 21 technical staff, four office staff, and five housekeeping staff, led by Dialysis Supervisor Mr Jitun George. The Centre is further supported by a medical officer and a part-time nephrologist.
“Alpha views dialysis as an integral component of palliative care. This approach has enabled the organisation to provide comprehensive support to patients, including free monthly medical check-ups, laboratory investigations, essential medicines, and transportation to and from the dialysis centre,” Mr Noordeen noted.
Looking ahead, Alpha plans to further expand its dialysis services. Alpha Link Centres, with dedicated buildings, are being developed to offer dialysis facilities in the future. Additionally, the newly constructed Alpha Hospice will have the capacity to operate 50 dialysis machines. A project to establish another centre of similar capacity, in collaboration with Thrissur Corporation, is currently underway.
Heartiest congratulations to the entire Alpha team on reaching this extraordinary milestone.
Expanding Access to Palliative Care through Collaboration with Seva Niwas Hospital
In an important step towards expanding access to palliative care services, Seva Niwas Hospital, Dhekiajuli, a 20-bedded hospital established in 1974 under the Sacred Heart Congregation, has initiated a dedicated palliative care service. Located approximately 40 km from Baptist Christian Hospital (BCH)-Tezpur, Sonitpur District, Assam, the hospital serves a large rural population with limited access to specialised care.
Motivated by the unmet needs of patients in her community, Sister Reena, a senior GNM staff nurse, received training during the Indian Association of Palliative Care (IAPC) 2024 Volunteers Training Programme conducted at BCH. Seva Niwas Hospital currently functions with one doctor and six nurses and now offers both inpatient and day-care palliative services. BCH is providing ongoing hand-holding support to strengthen this service. This includes weekly joint home visits, telephonic consultation for clinical guidance, and interim support in providing oral morphine until Seva Niwas Hospital obtains its own morphine licence.
This collaboration is particularly significant as many patients living in the vicinity of Seva Niwas Hospital were previously dependent on BCH for palliative care services. The establishment of this local facility ensures improved accessibility, continuity of care, and timely symptom management for patients and their families closer to their homes.
This partnership represents a meaningful step in decentralising palliative care and strengthening community-based services through capacity building, mentorship, and institutional collaboration.
Gathering at IPM – Celebration of Renovated Spaces
On 15 February 2026 at 4:00 PM, the Institute of Palliative Medicine (IPM) hosted a special gathering to mark the completion of renovation and space enhancement works undertaken with the support of architects associated with the Indian Institute of Architects (IIA). The event brought together a vibrant mix of young volunteers, wheelchair friends from IPM’s Footprint socio-economic rehabilitation programme, architects, members of the IPM team, and local community members.
The programme was well attended and filled with joy and collective pride. Participants expressed their happiness at seeing the newly renovated spaces, which will now allow IPM to expand its palliative care activities, community gatherings, and community-based palliative care education. The evening was enriched with music, laughter, storytelling, and reflections on strengthening palliative care through people’s participation.
A particularly moving moment came when a wheelchair friend from the Footprint programme , Mr Mohammed Ali, shared his happiness at seeing the improved accessibility within the campus. He noted that areas that were previously difficult to access are now easily reachable through lifts and elevators. He also expressed excitement about the newly built accessible sports turf and said they look forward to coming and staying at IPM for respite care.
The gathering reflected IPM’s core philosophy — that palliative care is not merely a medical service, but a community movement built through shared spaces, shared responsibility, and collective compassion.