Awards and Recognitions
ICMR Sanctions CAR Grant for Multi-Centre Palliative Care Research Led by Prof. Naveen Salins and Dr. Arun Ghoshal
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has sanctioned a grant for a pioneering Multi-Centre Palliative Care Research Project under the Clinical and Applied Research (CAR) program. The study titled: “Multifaceted, Comprehensive, Cost-effective Intervention Package for People with Advanced/Terminal Illnesses Needing ICU Support, Enabling Appropriate, Ethical, Humane Care, Impacting Resource Utilisation and Health Economics (MATHRU)” will be led by Prof. Naveen Salins and Dr Arun Ghoshal, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Karnataka, under the Delivery Research Division of ICMR.
With a total sanctioned budget of Rs. 12,841,582, this project aims to evaluate holistic, ethical, and sustainable models of care that improve outcomes for patients requiring intensive care, while also addressing health economics and resource utilisation.
The Indian Association of Palliative Care (IAPC) warmly congratulates Dr. Naveen Salins, Dr Arun Ghoshal and their team on this significant achievement and extends best wishes for the successful implementation of this highly impactful study.
Sparsh Hospice and ECHS Join Hands to Offer Free Palliative Care to Veterans from Telangana & Andhra Pradesh Sub Area
Marking a significant advancement, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between Sparsh Hospice, Hyderabad, and the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), Telangana and Andhra Pradesh Sub Area. Under this agreement, Sparsh Hospice will provide free-of-cost palliative care to terminally ill cancer patients who are veterans of the Indian Armed Forces.
This initiative will benefit a large number of veterans from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, ensuring dignified and compassionate care during the final stages of life.
The MoU was formally signed on 8th August 2025 by Dr. M. Subramanyam (Long-Term Trustee, Sparsh Hospice) and Major General Ajay Misra (General Officer Commanding, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh Sub Area, ECHS) at the Headquarters of the ECHS Andhra Pradesh & Telangana Army Sub Area, Secunderabad.
“There are many people suffering from terminal illnesses, but when we talk about veterans, they are the ones who served for our freedom and even endured injuries in war. We are truly happy and proud to extend our services to them,” said Dr. M. Subramanyam with gratitude.
The IAPC congratulates Team Sparsh on this significant initiative and wishes them many more milestones in advancing patient care.
Celebrating 20,000 Consultations: A Remarkable Journey of ACCF’s First Palliative Care Unit
The first Palliative Care Unit of the Assam Cancer Care Foundation (ACCF), located within the premises of Assam Medical College, Dibrugarh, has successfully completed 6.5 years of service and recently achieved the significant milestone of 20,000 consultations.
The unit provides a wide spectrum of services, including in-patient, out-patient, home care, and day care services, ensuring holistic and comprehensive palliative care for patients and their families.
To mark this achievement, the Palliative Care Team at ACCF came together for a heartfelt celebration, on 13th August, 2025, symbolized by a cake-cutting ceremony that reflected their collective spirit and teamwork.
On this occasion, Dr. Jai Prakash Prasad (COO, ACCF) congratulated the Palliative Care Team, led by Dr. Tanma Mahanta (Head, Department of Palliative Medicine, ACCF), for their unwavering dedication and commitment in advancing ACCF’s palliative care services.
The journey of this pioneering unit has been one of resilience, teamwork, and steadfast dedication. Despite many challenges, the team has consistently upheld their mission to deliver compassionate and patient-centered care. The services provided by ACCF includes IP, OP, Home Care and Day Care services.
Reflecting on this milestone, Dr. Tanma Mahanta shared: “We faced many challenges on our way, but there was no looking back. Patient feedback has been encouraging. Our team is hardworking and highly motivated in providing compassionate care. The support from ACCF has been tremendous. The feedback from patients, and the tireless efforts of the palliative team, continue to inspire this initiative.”
The IAPC warmly congratulates the ACCF’s Palliative Care Team on this remarkable achievement and commends their service in a region where palliative care is much needed.