East Zone: World Hospice & Palliative Care Day Celebration at
Amrit Dhara Palliative Care Trust, Bhubaneswar, Odisha
The World Hospice and Palliative Care Day was observed by the Amrit Dhara Palliative Care Trust, Bhubaneswar, at the Auditorium Building Institute of Life Sciences.
Dr. Lalatendu Sarangi, Director, Acharya Harihar Post-Graduate Institute of Cancer, Cuttack, graced the occasion as Chief Guest and emphasized the importance of Palliative Care (at both the national and regional context) and the role of para-professionals and volunteers while provisioning palliative care. He also urged Doctors and Social Organizations to come forward and partner with Amrit Dhara Palliative Care Trust in their activities.
Prof. (Dr.) Bidhu K. Mohanti, Director, KIMS Cancer Centre, Bhuvaneshwar, then highlighted the importance of observing Palliative Care Day and the need to generate awareness about palliative care among the people of Odisha.
Two panel discussions were then held to mark the occasion.
The first panel discussion on ‘Leave no one behind’ was delivered by a diverse group of panellists consisting of Dr. Nihar Ranjan Samal (Radiation Oncologist and Palliative Care Physician), Dr. Ghanshyam Biswas, (Medical Oncologist), Ms. Sagupta (Care giver), Ms. Minati Pati (Government employee and a cancer survivor) and Mr. Tanmay Mishra (Social worker) and was moderated by Dr Sumita Mohanty. Effective deliberations were made post this discussion with regard to the need and reach for palliative care, its scope under the SDG 2030, its cost effectiveness etc.
The panel for the second panel discussion on ‘Way forward in Odisha’ was constituted by Ms. Mamina Patnaik (Jt. Drug Controller, Odisha), Prof. (Dr.) Sukdev Nayak, (Anesthesiology & PC, AIIMS, Bhubaneswar), Prof. (Dr.) Madhabanandakar (Surgical Oncology, AIIMS, Bhubaneswar), Dr. Ksitish Ch. Mishra (Radiation Oncologist, Carcinova Hospital, Cuttack) and Ms. Deepa Raghuvanshi (Tech Mahindra family caregiver). The discussions were moderated by Prof. Bidhu K. Mohanti and covered discussions on the palliative care need and coverage for cancer patients in Odisha, the availability of morphine, the active engagement of Policy and media and increasing reach to those beyond Cuttack-Bhubaneswar periphery.
Both discussions were very interactive with also active participation from the audience during discussions.
Dr. Mami Parija, President, Amrit Dhara Palliative Care Trust, concluded the celebrations with her vote of thanks and concluding message.
