Awards and Recognitions
Dr. Chitra Venkateswaran awarded the Sundaram Fasteners Limited (SFL) Fellowship Award for Mental Health Action, on 26th March 2025
We are proud to share that Dr. Chitra Venkateswaran, Founder and Managing Trustee of Mehac Foundation, has been honoured with the Sundaram Fasteners Limited (SFL) Fellowship Award for Mental Health Action.
The award, jointly bestowed by the Banyan Academy of Leadership in Mental Health (BALM) and Sundaram Fasteners Limited (SFL), was presented in recognition of Dr. Chitra’s dedication to promoting mental health equity, fostering social impact, and enhancing community well-being.
The award was presented to Dr. Chitra Venkateswaran at an event organized by the Banyan Academy of Leadership in Mental Health (BALM) on 26th March 2025 at the Madras School of Social Work, Chennai.
This award stands as a testament to Dr. Chitra’s unwavering commitment to advancing mental health initiatives and creating inclusive models of care.
Mental Health Care & Research Foundation (Mehac) is a not-for-profit organization providing mental health services since 2008. Over the past 16 years, the foundation has provided mental health care to over 7000 beneficiaries across 6 districts in Kerala, with 98 percent of them coming from low-income families.
On the occasion of receiving the award, Dr Chitra Venkateswaran shared, “this award is for our team that works together toward the cause, for our partners, and for the community whose participation makes this work possible. We are deeply grateful for the recognition—it inspires us to continue our efforts. We thank The Banyan for their steadfast support and for being a true friend on this journey”.
Congratulations, Dr. Chitra Venkateswaran! We wish you continued success in your journey of making a meaningful difference.
Dr. Geeta Joshi featured in the IAHPC’s publication, Pallinews, 10th April 2025 Edition
We are glad to inform you that Dr Geeta Joshi (President, IAPC) has been featured in the IAHPC’s publication, Pallinews, published on 10th April 2025.
In her interview, she shares: “My goal for the next three years is to work towards the effective implementation of the National Program for Palliative Care (NPPC) across all the states of India, to strengthen the academic programs of IAPC, to collaborate with other specialties for palliative care.” Read the full feature here.
Congratulations, Dr. Geeta Joshi! Keep inspiring us with your remarkable work!
Dr. Priya Thomas Named INPCS 2025 Advocate of the Year, on 4th April 2025
We proudly share that Dr. Priya Thomas (Additional Professor, Department of Psychiatric Social Work, NIMHANS, Bengaluru) has been named the INPCS 2025 Advocate of the Year by the International Neuropalliative Care Society (INPCS), in recognition of her exceptional contribution to the development of Neuropalliative and supportive care in India.
Dr. Priya Thomas has been instrumental in establishing the Neuropalliative and Supportive Care Services (SANTVANA) at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru in collaboration with the Cipla Foundation. Since its inception in December 2021, SANTVANA has provided a holistic continuum of care to over 4,000 patients and their caregivers across the country through outpatient, home-based, and teleconsultation services.
Her pioneering work addresses the complex support, psychosocial, and palliative care needs of individuals with chronic neurological conditions and is focused on creating a sustainable, community-integrated model of care that can be replicated across different regions.
Dr. Priya Thomas’s recognition by INPCS is a proud moment for India’s palliative care community and stands as a testament to her leadership, innovation, and dedication to advancing Neuropalliative care both nationally and internationally.
Upon receiving this honour, Dr. Priya Thomas shared, “This award is for the team that works tirelessly to ensure a continuum of care for those with life-limiting neurological disorders. Each accolade reminds us that we have miles to go to ensure that everyone who needs Neuropalliative care support receives it in time.”
Congratulations, Dr. Priya Thomas! We wish you continued success and look forward to your inspiring contributions to the field.
Bangalore Hospice Trust – Karunashraya Recognised as a Pioneer Institution at the HSSC Karnataka Leadership Conclave 2025
We are pleased to share that the Bangalore Hospice Trust – Karunashraya was honoured by the Healthcare Sector Skill Council (HSSC), Skill India, during the esteemed HSSC Karnataka Leadership Conclave 2025.
The conclave themed “Skilling Healthcare for a Healthier Tomorrow,” was hosted on 24th April 2025. The event highlighted the vision, collaboration, and unwavering commitment needed to build a stronger and more resilient healthcare ecosystem.
In recognition of its exceptional contributions to healthcare skill development, Karunashraya was felicitated as a pioneer institution in Karnataka. This honour reflects the organisation’s steadfast dedication to advancing palliative care and nursing education, and its sustained efforts in capacity building, quality care delivery, and healthcare excellence.
Chief Guest, Dr. B. L. Sujatha Rathod (Director of Medical Education, Government of Karnataka) along with Special Guests Dr. Alex Thomas, Dr. Ashish Jain, and Dr. Hema Divakar, graced the occasion with their presence and inspiring messages.
As a tribute to their exceptional dedication and hard work, Mr. Mathew George Chandy (CEO, Bangalore Hospice Trust- Karunashraya) and Mrs. Sangeetha Murugan (Head of Nursing Education, Bangalore Hospice Trust- Karunashraya) were specially invited to the event to receive this prestigious honour for Karunashraya. Their commitment and tireless efforts have been instrumental in advancing Karunashraya’s mission to nurture skilled, compassionate healthcare professionals for the future.
On this occasion, the Karunashraya team shared, “Our consistent efforts toward capacity building and quality care have played a vital role in advancing our collective mission in the healthcare sector. This recognition also highlights our strong and enduring collaboration with Skill India, as we continue to empower healthcare professionals with the skills, compassion, and knowledge needed to serve with excellence.”
Congratulations to the team at Karunashraya! We wish you continued success in your inspiring journey.
Nagaland Palliative and Geriatric Association formed on 26th April 2025
We are excited to announce that the Nagaland Palliative and Geriatric Association — the first of its kind in the state — was officially formed on 26th April, 2025. The formation meeting was attended by Dr. Nepuni Athikho, Dr. Kikato V. Chishi, Dr. Tony Vikas Biswas, Fr. Chacko Karanithal, Sr. Dr. Rosmy Varghese, C. Meru, Moamemla Yaden, Dr. Obangjungla, and Fr. Sajan Joseph.
“The association has been established to promote palliative and geriatric care across Nagaland, addressing the growing need for specialized healthcare for the elderly and individuals living with life-limiting illnesses”, said Dr Obangjungla (Executive Committee Member, IAPC, North East Region).
Congratulations to the team on this pioneering initiative! We wish you success in advancing compassionate care in the region.
Launch of Manipal Hospice and Respite Centre (MHRC): A New Milestone in Palliative Care
We are delighted to announce that the Manipal Hospice and Respite Centre (MHRC) was officially inaugurated on 30th April, 2025, by the Hon’ble Governor of Andhra Pradesh, Justice (Retd) Syed Abdul Nazeer.
An initiative of the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), the MHRC is committed to ensuring quality palliative care services for those in need. Set amidst 12 serene acres along the Swarna River, near Kasturba Medical College Hospital, the centre is India’s first hospice affiliated with both a medical college and a tertiary hospital, offering a new model of integrated care.
MHRC is dedicated to delivering holistic, compassionate, and dignified care to patients and families navigating life-limiting illnesses. Clinical services will be offered free of cost from July 2025, alongside education, training, and research initiatives aimed at strengthening the palliative care workforce.
MHRC is led by Dr. Naveen Salins, a renowned palliative care expert and Head of the Department of Palliative Medicine at Kasturba Medical College, Manipal. Under his leadership, and with the support of a dedicated team of palliative care specialists including Dr. Seema Rajesh Rao (Director, MHRC), Dr Anuja Damani, Dr Arunangshu Ghoshal, Dr Krithika Rao, Dr Shreya Nair and others, MHRC aims to blend clinical excellence with emotional and spiritual support.
Supported by MAHE, Kasturba Medical College, Kasturba Hospital Manipal,and other philanthropic partners, the MHRC stands as a beacon of hope and excellence in palliative and respite care.
This landmark project sets a new benchmark in India’s palliative care landscape, offering hope, dignity, and compassionate support to patients and their families during life’s most difficult moments.
The IAPC congratulates MAHE and the MHRC team on this remarkable achievement and wishes them continued success in advancing palliative care in India.