Newsletter: June 2025 Edition From the President’s Desk Dear All, Just a few days ago, we received the deeply saddening news of the passing of Prof. Akram Lal, Past President of the IAPC (1996–97). Prof. Lal served with distinction as Professor in Anaesthesia at Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi—a city that became a nurturing ground for…
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Brain tumours: Care, even when there is no cure – Dr. Smriti Khanna, Mumbai A 6-month-old orphan child got admitted with poor cry and progressive decrease in leg movements. He was admitted to the ICU and needed to be put on a ventilator because of worsening drowsiness and difficulty breathing. An MRI revealed a large…
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At the Heart of Care: The Expanding Scope of Palliative Care Nurses in Humanitarian Settings – Ms. Erin Das, Nairobi, Kenya This article was written with support and input from colleagues working in a refugee camp in Kenya, Annalice Otoro and Ali Abdullahi Khamis, whose insights from the field continue to inform and inspire efforts…
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Safeguarding the Forgotten: Palliative Care as a Response to Elder Mistreatment – Mr. Avtar Singh Cheema, Chandigarh Elder abuse is a silent yet deeply troubling crisis that affects millions worldwide, including India’s aging population. It refers to any intentional act—or failure to act—that causes harm or places an older adult at risk. Abuse can take…
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Newsletter: May 2025 Edition From the President’s Desk Dear All, Building on over a decade of expertise, the Indian Association of Palliative Care (IAPC) continues to offer diverse training programs catering to members of the multidisciplinary team. IAPC’s Foundation Course in the Essentials of Palliative Care remains one of the most popular programs for doctors…
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Embracing Compassion in Palliative Care – Mr. Sandeep Singh, Bathinda I began my professional journey as a Nursing Officer in various private hospitals across Punjab, working in departments such as the Emergency Ward, ICU, and General Ward. During this time, I cared for many cancer patients. Yet, despite this experience, I had never come across…
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The Final Embrace: What the Pope’s Last Journey Teaches Us About the Role of Nurses in End-of-Life Care – Ms Sangeetha Murugan, Bengaluru “Thank you for bringing me back to the Square.” — Pope Francis, to his nurse and healthcare assistant, Massimiliano Strappetti In the stillness of his final hours, Pope Francis offered a simple…
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Laugh- A- Lot @ St. John’s – Ms Nanda C. Prem, Bengaluru “A day without laughing is a day wasted” – Charlie Chaplin World Laughter Day 2025 falls on Sunday, 4th May. To mark the occasion, we showcase an inspiring initiative by the Department of Pain and Palliative Medicine at St. John’s Medical College & Hospital,…
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Newsletter: April 2025 Edition From the President’s Desk Dear All, Warm greetings to everyone! As the temperatures are beginning to rise across India, preparations for the upcoming 33rd Annual International Conference of the Indian Association of Palliative Care (IAPCON 2026) are heating up as well. On behalf of the IAPC, I invite each of you to register…
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The Silent Suffering of a Healer – Dr Rajith R, Coimbatore She was the heartbeat of our Hospice, the steady hands that wiped away tears, the voice that soothed restless souls. Sister Jessie had a rare gift—the ability to make suffering feel lighter, to bring comfort where there was none. She was a lighthouse for…
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