Education and Training
Apply now to participate in the ‘IAPC’s Foundation Course in Palliative Care Pharmacy’ on 28th March, 2026
Applications are invited for the 9th online batch of the ‘IAPC’s Foundation Course in Palliative Care Pharmacy’ scheduled to be held on Saturday, 28th March, 2026.
This is a basic course which aims to equip participants with adequate knowledge of commonly used drugs in Palliative Care for pain management and to manage other symptoms. The course will also cover Essential Narcotic Drugs and Narcotic Drugs, along with the technical legalities to procure, store, dispense and document the same.
The 7-hour course will be delivered in two parts; a virtual 4.5-hour Part A module and an in-person 2.5 hour Part B module.
While the course is primarily designed for candidates with a Diploma or a Degree in Pharmacy, Doctors (MBBS, BDS) are also eligible to participate in the course.
Please click here for further information and to register for the training program.
259 clinicians participate in the ‘Part A’ component of the IAPC’s ‘Foundation Course in Essentials of Palliative Care’ in January, 2026
A total of 259 clinicians (217 doctors and 42 nurses) from across India are participating in the ‘Part A’ theoretical component of IAPC’s Foundation Course in the Essentials of Palliative Care, conducted in January–February 2026.
The sessions commenced on Saturday, 17th January, 2026, and will conclude on Monday, 2nd February 2026, with select clinical sessions conducted separately for doctors and nurses. The programme is delivered over 13 days, including Saturdays, Sundays, and alternate weekdays (Monday to Friday), with daily sessions of two hours each, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Course participants are now equipped with the necessary knowledge to inculcate the principles of palliative care in every day practice and thereby improve patient care through proper communication and effective management of difficult symptoms.
Course participants who are successful in the examination and in the case reflection submission will next proceed towards their practical hands-on ‘Part B’ component (recommended but optional) of the course.
IAPC extends its deepest gratitude to Dr Lulu Mathews (Former Chairperson, Board of Examiners), who led this programme with exceptional dedication and efficiency for more than a decade (2012–2025).
During her tenure, the course achieved remarkable growth, with thousands of clinicians trained in the fundamentals of palliative care across the country. The number of course centres expanded to 50, enabling the establishment of centres in almost all states of India.
To date, around 11,000 clinicians have been trained under this programme, contributing significantly to the advancement of palliative care service delivery nationwide.
We warmly welcome Dr Seema Rao (Director: Manipal Hospice and Respite Centre [MHRC], MAHE, Manipal) and Dr Dinesh Kumar (Assistant Dean, Academic Administration, Pramukhswami Medical College, Karamsad, Anand, Gujarat) as Course Chairs. Congratulations to Dr Rao and Dr Kumar on your new roles, and we wish you every success.
The IAPC thanks all the course coordinators and the faculty for their consistent support towards the successful conduct of the program. The IAPC also thanks the course participants for their enthusiastic participation during the course and for sharing constructive feedback which will help us to further evolve the program. Below are a few excerpts from the feedback received:
“I really appreciate three things: the strong emphasis on the spiritual and psychosocial dimensions of palliative medicine, the genuine passion and commitment of the teachers, and the opportunity to relearn and deepen my understanding of pain."
“Teaching coming from a wealth of experience Simple Connecting basics to bedside.”
“Good senior faculties, good explanation of topics and vast coverage.”
“Expert faculty; new concepts unlocked”
“Special attention to nurses section, Nurses faculty, positive response from lecturer”
GERIPALCON 2026: The 2nd National Conference on Geriatrics, Oncology & Palliative Care, organised by RMD Group of Hospitals in Chennai, 24th –25th January, 2026
The 2nd National Conference, “GERIPALCON 2026”, organised by the RMD Group of Hospitals and Care, Chennai, was held on 24th and 25th January, 2026 at The Residency Towers, Chennai. The Indian Association of Palliative Care (IAPC) served as the academic partner for the conference.
The theme of the conference was “Changing Paradigms in Health: Integrating Medicine, Technology, and Innovation for Holistic Care.”
This two-day conference on Geriatrics, Oncology, and Palliative Care served as a timely and impactful platform for the exchange of knowledge and advancement of healthcare and technology, in the context of a rapidly ageing society and its associated health challenges.
The conference featured 8 plenary addresses, 6 panel discussions, and 30 faculty presentations. Experts from diverse fields of medicine — including geriatricians, oncologists, neurologists, cardiologists, pulmonologists, nephrologists, infectious disease specialists, policymakers, scientists, and scholars — came together with a shared commitment to shaping the future of healthcare.
The inaugural ceremony began with an invocation song, lighting of the lamp and the welcome Bharatanatyam dance performed by Mrs. Sruthi (Director, AURA Holistic Wellness, Chennai) and Dr. Keerthana (RMD Specialities Hospitals, Chennai). The Chief-Guest, Padma Shri Prof. VS Natarajan ( Founder, VS Natarajan Home for the Aged, Chennai), Guest-of Honour Prof. Uma Shekar (Vice Chancellor, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, SRIHER, Chennai)), and the Special Guests, Prof. Geeta Joshi (President, IAPC and Organizing Co-Chair), Prof. Johnson (Dean of Anatomy, Lalithambigai Medical College, Chennai), Dr. S Deepa (Director, National Centre for Ageing, Chennai), Thiru MAMM Annamalai Chettiar (Chancellor, R.A.R.E. LifeCare, Chennai), Dr. Raghu S Thota,(Scientific Co-Chair and Secretary, IAPC), and Prof. C Subramanian (Founder, Sai OrthoCare Hospitals, Chennai) graced the occasion.
Nearly 250 delegates including national, international participants, policy makers at the National level, doctors, scientist, nurses, paramedical workers, undergraduate and post-graduate scholars attended this two-day conference. The enriching sessions focused on “Advancements in Healthcare” and emphasized the importance of integrating diverse medical systems, technology, and innovations toward the common goal of “Patient-Centred Compassionate Care,” which remains the essence of palliative care.
Insightful and engaging topics were presented online by Padma Shri Dr. Ravi Kannan (Director, Cachar Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Silchar, Assam) and Prof. Mhoira Leng (Head, Palliative Care, Makerere University, Kampala and Director-Cairdeas). Eminent speakers from IAPC included Dr. Geeta Joshi, Dr. Raghu S Thota, Dr. Gayatri Palat, Dr. KV Ganapathy, Dr. Chitra Venkateswaran, Dr. Keshav Sharma, Dr. Jayita Deodhar (online), and Dr. HK Das.
Additionally, Dr Sudagar Singh (Medical Director, SRIHER), Dr. Selvam Jesiah (Dean, Management Sciences, SRIHER) and other seniors superspecialists delivered highly relevant and focused presentations.
The oral and poster presentations showcased the talent and dedication of healthcare professionals across diverse disciplines.
The two-day conference concluded on a positive note. Mr. Kumar Vembu (Founder, Mudhal Partners and Chief Mentor, StartUp Singam), was the Chief Guest at the valedictory function. The event was graced by the special guests Prof. Sembulingam (Professor of Physiology, SRIHER and Madha Medical College, chennai), and Dr. Aruna Viswanathan (Founder, Vikram Hospital, Coimbatore & Director R.A.R.E. LifeCare, Chennai.
Cash prizes were awarded to the winners of the oral and poster presentations, and certificates were presented to the delegates during the function. The cash prizes were generously sponsored mainly by RMD Group of Hospitals and Care, and in part by Prof. Sembulingam.
The conference was spearheaded by Dr. Republica Sridhar, (Conference Chair and Chairman, RMD Group of Hospitals and Care, Chennai).
Dr. Gauthaman Kalamegam (The Scientific Chair & Medical Director, RMD Specialities Hospitals, Chennai), the Organizing Committee lead members Mr. S. Immanuel (CEO, RMD Specialities Hospitals) and Mr. Vishaal (Project Director, Tech Mahindra and Board Member, RMD Soulful Pvt Ltd), and the various committee members (Patrons, Scientific, Chairpersons & Jury, Organizing, Sponsorship, Travel, Anantara-Event Partner, BRIO-Satellite TV Partner) contributed with immense passion and dedication to this conference.
Thank you all for making the 2nd RMD National Conference -GERIPALCON 2026- a resounding Success!
NURSEPALCON 2026: Celebrating Compassion, Knowledge, and the Voice of Nurses in Palliative Care
NURSEPALCON 2026, a two-day nursing conference held on 17th and 18th January, 2026 in Kozhikode, marked an important milestone for palliative care nursing in Kerala. Organised jointly by the Institute of Palliative Medicine (IPM), a WHO Collaborating Centre, and the Indian Association of Palliative Care (IAPC) Kerala, the conference brought together nearly 200 nurses from community- and hospital-based palliative care services across the state. Anchored in the theme “Nursing with Compassion, Caring with Purpose,” the event offered a rich blend of clinical learning, reflection, and dialogue on the evolving role of nurses in palliative care.
The conference was inaugurated by Dr Mohanapriya (Assistant Collector,Kozhikode), setting a tone of recognition and respect for nursing contributions. The keynote address was delivered by Dr Sajeeth Kumar (Principal, Government Medical College, Kozhikode). The opening academic session was delivered by Dr Suresh Kumar (Founder Director, IIPM, Kozhikode). His session on Spiritual Issues in Palliative Care addressed a dimension of care that is often acknowledged but rarely explored in depth. Many participants described the session as both illuminating and deeply moving, noting that it clarified concepts.
Clinical skill-building formed a strong pillar of the programme. Sessions such as Advanced Measures in Bedsore Care by Dr. Sheeja Rajan (Professor and Head of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery at Government Medical College Kozhikode), provided practical, evidence-based insights directly relevant to nursing practice.
Paper presentations by nurses emerged as a highlight of the first day, with six presentations demonstrating remarkable depth of knowledge, critical thinking, and confidence. Participants noted that the discussions challenged assumptions about the limits of nursing expertise and showcased the academic potential within the nursing community.
Psychosocial dimensions of care received focused attention through sessions led by Dr. Nishanth J H (Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Government Medical College Kozhikode) and Mr Saif Muhammed (Academic Consultant, IPM, Kozhikode). Nurses reported leaving with a renewed awareness of the scale and complexity of psychosocial suffering and their own vital role in addressing it.
The second day continued with sessions that blended technical knowledge with ethical and emotional sensitivity. Ensuring Comfort and Dignity at the End of Life, led by Sr. Sheeba R S (Pallium India) focused on patients’ and families’ end-of-life experiences and the difficult questions nurses encounter. Sessions on stoma care, physiological changes in bedridden patients, and infection control in home-care settings refreshed foundational knowledge while reconnecting it to everyday practice.
Death Café sessions enabled participants to openly discuss death, dying, and the emotional impact of caregiving—an experience many nurses described as rare and deeply validating. A defining moment of the conference was the panel discussion titled “Nurses as Leaders – Current Realities and Future Possibilities.”
NURSEPALCON 2026 concluded with a shared sense that palliative care nursing in Kerala stands at a moment of transition.
As one participant beautifully summed up, the conference offered more than knowledge—it inspired recognition, built confidence, and opened pathways for change.
‘Living Will and Advance Care Planning’: A conference and workshop organized by IQRAA International Hospital and Research Centre, Kozhikode
The Department of Palliative Medicine at IQRAA International Hospital and Research Centre, Kozhikode, organised a conference and workshop on Living Will and Advance Care Planning (ACP) on 18th January 2026 at JDT Islam College of Nursing, Kozhikode. The programme aimed to foster multidisciplinary dialogue on the ethical, legal, and practical aspects of implementing Living Will and End-of-Life Care (EOLC) policies within the healthcare system.
The event recorded 155 registrations, with 146 participants attending offline and 9 joining online. Participants represented a wide range of stakeholders, including doctors, nurses, hospital administrators, academicians, social workers, NGO representatives, legal professionals and palliative care volunteers, enabling rich cross-sectoral engagement.
The scientific programme included expert sessions by Dr. Roop Gursahani (Founding Member, End-of- Life Care India Taskforce and Consultant Neurologist, PD Hinduja Hospital, Mumbai), who outlined the national status of ACP in India; Mr. Hardik Dua (Advocacy Officer, Health, Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy), who addressed medico-legal aspects and stakeholder responsibilities; Dr. Smriti Khanna (Consultant, Department of Palliative Medicine, PD Hinduja Hospital, Mumbai), who focused on communication in ACP and goals-of-care discussions; and Dr. I. P. Yadev (Additional Professor & Nodal Officer, Palliative Care Division, Gov Medical College, Kollam), who shared experiential insights from running a Living Will clinic in Kerala.
An important highlight was the panel discussion on integrating Living Will and EOLC policies into Kerala’s healthcare system, guided by Supreme Court directives, moderated by Dr. Jyotish Gopinathan (Consultant Nephrologist, IQRAA International Hospital & Research Centre, Kozhikode). The panel featured Dr. Rajaram K. K. (District Medical Officer, Kozhikode), Dr. Mathews Numpeli (State Nodal Officer, Aardram Mission), Dr. I. P. Yadev, Dr. Rajashree K. C. (Associate Professor, Department of Palliative Medicine, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi), and Dr. Athul Joseph Manuel (IMA Cochin), offering diverse perspectives from public health administration, academia, professional bodies, and community care.
The post-lunch workshop provided hands-on guidance on EOLC policy development, hospital pathways for Living Will services, and medico-legal safeguards.
The programme concluded by underscoring the need for sustained capacity building and system-level integration to strengthen ethically sound end-of-life care in Kerala.
Nursing Skills Enhancement Workshop at AIIMS Deoghar
As part of a clinical training study supported by the Indian Council of Medical Research–Department of Health Research (ICMR-DHR), a two-day Palliative Care Workshop and Skill Training for Nurses was successfully conducted on 1st and 2nd December, 2025 at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Deoghar. The programme aimed to enhance nurses’ clinical competence, communication skills, and the philosophical foundations of compassionate care in the management of patients with terminal illnesses.
More than fifty nurses from across Jharkhand attended the workshop, which was guided by Dr Kusum Kumari (Organising Secretary, & Asst. Professor, College of Nursing, AIIMS Deoghar) with support from palliative care specialists from the region.
The programme featured interactive, case-based learning, hands-on activities, and live demonstrations. Key areas covered included end-of-life care, symptom management, communication and counselling, breaking bad news, pain assessment and management, and ethical decision-making in palliative care contexts. Under professional supervision, participants practised skills in wound care, syringe driver use, opioid titration, and psychosocial support.
Dr Santosh Kumar Chaturvedi (Former Dean of Behavioural Sciences, NIMHANS, Bengaluru) and Dr. Seema Mishra (HOD, Department of Onco Aanaesthesia and Palliative Medicine, AIIMS New Delhi) delivered key note addresses.
Dr. Nitin Gangane (Executive Director and CEO, AIIMS Deoghar), Dr. Harminder Singh (Dean Academic, AIIMS Deoghar), Dr. S. R. Patra (Medical Superintendent, AIIMS Deoghar), and Prof. Vasantha Kalyani (Principal, College of Nursing, AIIMS Deoghar) expressed their gratitude to ICMR-DHR for supporting the initiative and expressed hope that such capacity-building programs would strengthen Jharkhand’s healthcare system by equipping nurses with essential palliative care Competencies.
Care Beyond Cure: A Stress Management Workshop for Family Caregivers in Palliative Care at KGMU, Lucknow
A Stress Management Workshop for family caregivers in palliative care was conducted on 13th December, 2025 at King George’s Medical University (KGMU), Lucknow. The programme was organised by the Pain Medicine Unit, KGMU, in collaboration with the Indian Society of Prosthodontics–Restorative–Periodontics (ISPRP) and the Women Empowerment Cell, KGMU.
During a dedicated session on stress management and emotional burnout, caregivers shared their real-life challenges and experiences. The programme also included educational sessions on caring for bedridden patients, home-based oral care, and the role of caregivers in palliative care. A meaningful role play on collusion—sensitively depicting the emotional journey of palliative care patients and their caregivers—was one of the highlights of the programme.
Oral hygiene kits and food packets were distributed to the caregivers at the conclusion of the session.
The program was led by Dr Sarita Singh (Organising Chairperson and Professor, Department of Anaesthesiology, KGMU, and IAPC Executive Committee Member) and Dr Rhythm (Organising Secretary). The programme committee expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the Guests of Honour, Dr Amita Pandey and Dr Punita Manikall, as well as Dr Promila Verma, Dr Nishamani Pandey, and Dr Rameshwari Singhal (faculty members for the programme), ISPRP, Pain Medicine Unit, Women Empowerment Cell, and, most importantly, the caregivers for their active participation and for making this initiative truly impactful.
Awareness and Training Programme on Palliative Care for Nursing Students at RIMS, Ranchi
An Awareness and Training Programme on Palliative Care for nursing students was successfully organised at RIMS, Ranchi, on 13th December, 2025. The objective of the programme was to create awareness about the concept and importance of palliative care in the management of patients with life-limiting illnesses.
The sessions included an introduction to palliative care, communication skills, symptom management, end-of-life care, and hands-on training in colostomy care and lymphedema management.
The workshop was conducted under the expert guidance of Ms Govindi Chouhan and Ms Nileema Sharad Shingade (Senior Nursing Faculty members from AIIMS, New Delhi.). Dr Dipali was the coordinator of the program.
The organisers expressed their sincere gratitude to the faculty and to the Asia Pacific Hospice Network (APHN) for their support towards palliative care programmes in Jharkhand.”
14th CME of Delhi State Chapter of IAPC held on 29th November, 2025, at NCI Jhajjar
The 14th Continuing Medical Education (CME) programme of the Delhi State Chapter of the Indian Association of Palliative Care (IAPC) was held on 29th November, 2025 at the Third Floor Auditorium of the National Cancer Institute (NCI), Jhajjar. The CME on “Onco-Wellness: Tools for the Team”, was organised by the IAPC Delhi State Chapter (Delhi- IAPC) jointly with the Department of Onco-Anaesthesia and Palliative Medicine, Dr. B.R.A. IRCH & NCI Jhajjar and the Society for Research and Education in Onco-Anaesthesia and Palliative Medicine (SREOAPM).
The event commenced with a warm welcome address by Dr. (Prof.) Seema Mishra (Head of the Department, Department of Onco Anasthesia and Palliative Medicine, Dr BRA IRCH, AIIMS, New Delhi) highlighting the importance of collective wellbeing and resilience in oncology and palliative care teams. Followed by the welcome address, Dr. (Prof.) Sanjay Thulkar (Chief, Dr. B.R.A. IRCH & Head, NCI Jhajjar) and Dr. (Prof.) Sachidanand Jee Bharati (Professor, Department of Onco-Anaesthesia and Palliative Medicine, Dr BRA IRCH, AIIMS, New Delhi) addressed the gathering highlighting the growing need for holistic support systems in cancer care.
A serene Saraswati Vandana and lamp-lighting ceremony set the tone for the academic deliberations. The first scientific session, delivered by Dr. Urvashi Goja, focused on “Strengthening Workforce Well-Being in Oncology: The Role of Self-Compassion in Clinical Practice.” The talk emphasised cultivating self-awareness, emotional balance, and mindful practice as vital tools to prevent compassion fatigue and sustain compassionate care.
The second session, led by Dr. Udita Singhal, explored “From Burnout to Belonging: Psychological Safety and Effective Communication in Cancer Care Teams.” This session highlighted the importance of supportive team dynamics, open communication, and organisational culture in mitigating burnout and fostering team cohesion.
The programme also featured a poem and slogan-writing competition, followed by prize distribution, adding a creative dimension to the day’s theme. The CME concluded with a formal vote of thanks and lunch, marking a meaningful gathering dedicated to strengthening wellness within oncology and palliative care teams.
Caring for Caregivers Online Workshop
The Caring for Caregivers online workshop was conducted on 21st December, 2025 from 2.00 pm to 5.00 pm, with the participation of 30 caregivers. This included 12 professional caregivers from the Alzheimer’s Society of Bangladesh, who also shared their personal caregiving experiences.
Dr Divya Narayana (Command Hospital, Chennai) led the sessions that were engaging and interactive, with rich discussions on the physical, social, psychological, and spiritual challenges faced by caregivers. Throughout the workshop, strong emphasis was placed on the importance of self-care in sustaining caregiving roles.
Key dimensions of caregiving explored included physical care, emotional care, and spiritual care. Participants also reflected on difficult conversations, decision making challenges, and issues related to advance medical directives and living wills. To support emotional and mental wellbeing, participants practiced BALM, Breath Awareness Loving Meditation, along with grounding techniques to help manage anxiety and insomnia. A free flow journaling exercise further enabled emotional expression and personal reflection.
Participants shared that they felt heard, supported, and positively transformed through the session. Dr Narayana expressed commitment to continuing similar initiatives in collaboration with IAPC, with the aim of ensuring that caregivers do not feel isolated in their journeys.
Soul Palliative Care, Chennai Organises Training on Simulation-Based Palliative Nursing Care and Paediatric Cancer Care
A three-day training programme on Simulation-Based Palliative Nursing Care and Paediatric Cancer Care was held from 14th to 16th November, 2025 at Soul Palliative Care, Chennai, with the support of the Rotary Club of Madras Midtown. The initiative aimed to build practical skills among nursing students and palliative care trainees.
The sessions were led by senior professionals including Ms. Preetha Mahesh (Founder, Soul Palliative Care), Dr. Rajam Iyer (Pulmonologist, Trustee, Pallium India) , Mrs. Ana (Nursing Faculty, NDF Community College), and other experts. Participants received focused training on paediatric symptom management, communication techniques, and scenario-based simulations. They also practiced handling clinical situations such as pain, breathing difficulties, and terminal secretions, along with managing sensitive interactions with families.
The final day emphasized hands-on procedures and guidance for family members on providing safe and effective home care. The programme concluded with reflections, feedback, and certificate distribution, significantly improving the participants’ confidence in paediatric palliative care delivery.
Update from APM’s lecture series 4
The Academy of Palliative Medicine (APM) presented another enriching series of early-morning academic sessions in January 2026, featuring contemporary, evidence-based topics in palliative care.
The January 2026 sessions brought together committed postgraduate students in Palliative Medicine and eminent faculty for insightful discussions.Topics, speakers, and moderators for January 2026 were as follows:
5th January – Ketamine, Lidocaine, and Methadone in Refractory Pain: What the Evidence Shows
Speaker: Dr. Ravali | Moderator: Dr. Gayatri Palat
12th January – Cultural Competence and Health Equity in Palliative Care Delivery
Speaker: Dr. Anushka | Moderator: Dr. Puneeth Rathore
19th January – Psycho-Oncology and Mind–Body Medicine: Evidence-Based Psychological Interventions
Speaker: Dr. Bhanu Choudhary | Moderator: Dr. Deepak Garg
Lecture Series 4: Sessions Planned for February 2026
We warmly invite you to join the lectures scheduled for February 2026. Details as follows:
