Education and Training

Announcing IAPC’s Course for Nurse Faculty

The Indian Association of Palliative Care is pleased to announce the launch of the Certificate Course in Palliative Care for Nursing Faculty; an online training programme aimed at strengthening palliative care education within nursing institutions across India.

This specialised course is designed to equip nursing faculty with the knowledge, and skills to effectively teach the palliative care module incorporated into the undergraduate nursing curriculum. The course will be delivered online over ten days, with two hours of sessions each day, and is scheduled to commence in March 2026. On successful completion, participants will be awarded three INC credit points. The course fee is Rs 2000. Nursing faculty across India are encouraged to participate and contribute to building a strong foundation in palliative care education for future generations of nurses.

Click here to register for the course.

Application Deadline Extended for IAPC’s Foundation Course in Essentials of Palliative Care

Last date to submit applications extend to 7th January, 2026

The application deadline for the IAPC’s Foundation Course in Essentials of Palliative Care has been extended to 7th January, 2026. Those who haven’t applied yet will get a few more days to submit their application! Don’t miss this last chance!

The Foundation Course conducted by the Indian Association of Palliative Care (IAPC) will commence on 17th January 2025. This highly sought-after training program is designed for doctors and nurses seeking structured training in palliative care and aims to build a strong foundational knowledge, enhance communication skills, and improve symptom management in daily clinical practice. Online theory sessions are scheduled outside regular working hours to accommodate busy healthcare professionals

This course will be delivered as two components:

  • Part A: A mandatory online theory ‘Part A’ component, and
  • Part B: A practical hands-on ‘Part B’ component (recommended but optional).

The completion of both Part A and B will help the Doctors to procure RMI Status for the medical institution where they work fulltime. The RMI licence is essentials for procuring and stocking NDPS drugs.

Part A: Online theory sessions:

The theory sessions have been scheduled outside regular working hours to accommodate professionals’ busy schedules and enhance the participation.

Click here to download the Schedule for the theoretical ‘Part A’ component of the upcoming batch.

 Select Clinical sessions will be held separately for Doctors and Nurses.

Eligibility and Course Fee

  • Doctors (MBBS/BDS), Rs. 10, 000
  • Nurses (BSc Nursing/ GNM), Rs. 4000

Part B: Practical hands-on sessions

Eligibility

  • Candidates scoring a minimum 50% marks in the final theory examination for FCEPC and 50% in the assignment will be eligible to proceed for Part B Clinical Posting- 10 days Hands on Training – at an IAPC authorised course centre.

Fee

  • There is no additional fee payable to the IAPC for Part B clinical posting. However, course centres may levy a nominal fee for the clinical posting as per their institutional policy. Candidates may contact the respective centres directly for detailed fee information.

Last Date for application submission:  Wednesday, 7th January, 2026

Application Portal:  For further details about the course and to submit e-applications, please click here.

Apply Now for IAPC Certificate Course in Basics of Palliative Care

The Academy of Palliative Medicine announces the commencement of the 3rd Batch of the IAPC Certificate Course in Basics of Palliative Care, beginning on 28th February 2026.

Building on the success of previous cohorts, this six-month blended program offers deeper learning, dedicated mentoring, and interactive, discussion-based sessions aimed at strengthening foundational competencies in palliative care.

The course combines thoughtfully designed online modules with live mentor-led sessions and a mandatory clinical attachment to ensure hands-on experience and professional readiness.

Minimum Eligibility: MBBS
Course Fee: Rs. 35,000

Key Highlights:

  • 600 hours of blended learning over 6 months
  • 8 structured modules via Learning Management System (LMS)
  • 2 live mentor sessions per week
  • 12-day mandatory clinical posting for hands on experience
  • Guided by pioneers and leading faculty in palliative care

For registration and more information, please click here.

64 individuals participated in the IAPC’s ‘Foundation course in the Essentials of Psychosocial Issues in Palliative Care’ between 1st and 7th December, 2025

64 enthusiastic learners participated in the IAPC’s Foundation Course in the Essentials of Psychosocial Issues in Palliative Care, held between Monday, 1st December, and Sunday, 7th December, 2025 (both dates included).

The week-long virtual course enabled participants to gain a deeper understanding of the psychosocial and spiritual issues that influence the quality of life of patients with chronic illness and their caregivers. It also equipped them with essential skills for effective counselling and communication with patients and caregivers in such contexts.

The cohort comprised doctors, nurses, counsellors, psychologists, and social workers from diverse backgrounds.

The course received valuable constructive feedback to help further strengthen its content and delivery from the participants. Aa selection of which is presented below.

“I really appreciate how professionally the entire course was conducted. organizers did a great job, timely meeting links, prompt resolutions of concerns, timely starting and finishing the classes, all that shows respect for everyone's time and concerns. Rules were specified in the beginning itself and there was a lot of clarity.  I found the interactions with some of the faculty members enriching and fruitful. Liked how practically the course was designed and how everyone was so welcoming, warm and willing to teach. A topic that I feel can also be covered in the same course or separately is living will. Rest, thank you so much. “
“It was such a beautiful 7-day learning experience, and I would love to learn more and more, again and again.”
“Practical examples help me a lot to deal with the patient. Thank you. It will be a great help if you organise interactive sessions on CBT techniques.”

We express our sincere gratitude to the Course Directors (Dr Seema Rajesh Rao and Dr K V Ganapathy), and each of our faculty for all their contribution and support towards this program. We also thank our course participants for their enthusiastic participation during the course.

The IAPC Certificate Course in Basics of Palliative Care (2nd Cohort) was successfully completed on 21st December, 2025

The 2nd cohort of the blended learning programme—the IAPC Certificate Course in Basics of Palliative Care (12th July  to 21st December, 2025)—concluded on a high note.

 Of the 14 registered participants, 10 successfully completed all course requirements and were awarded certificates with commendable grades. Participants who were eligible for the exit examination but could not appear due to personal constraints will be given one more opportunity to attempt the examination with the next cohort.

 The cohort comprised experienced doctors from diverse specialties across the country, many of whom expressed a strong motivation to transition into Palliative Care. Participants consistently reported that this six-month programme enabled them to gain in-depth knowledge and practical skills, particularly through intensive clinical exposure. Notably, one participant has already established a Palliative Care unit in his clinic after joining the course.

 The programme involved 600 hours of structured learning over 25 weeks, including self-paced and LMS-based learning, live interactive sessions with national and international experts, and a 12-day supervised clinical attachment at established Palliative Care units. Candidates shares that this hands-on training component significantly enhanced their confidence to initiate and integrate palliative care services in their own practice settings.

 The learning experience was further enriched by two days of in-person refresher sessions with senior faculty in Palliative Medicine, followed by an exit examination comprising OSCE stations and MCQs. These sessions were held at BHT Karunashraya, Bengaluru offering participants exposure to a world-class palliative care setup, mentorship, and reflective learning. 

Course completion certificates were presented to candidates who have successfully completed the program. Participants will also receive detailed transcripts reflecting credit points earned. 

This cohort was particularly engaged and inquisitive, demonstrating strong commitment throughout the programme. As course coordinators and faculty, we are deeply satisfied with the conduct and outcomes of this cohort and remain committed to strengthening palliative care delivery in India through high-quality education and training.

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: December 2025

Following the successful completion of Lecture Series 3, the Academy of Palliative Medicine commenced its 4th Lecture Series on 1st December 2025.

Topics, speakers and moderators for December 2025 were:

  • 1st December – Palliative Rehabilitation: Enhancing Function and Quality of Life
    Speaker: Dr. Amit Mayura | Moderator: Dr. Varun T M
  • 8th December – Global Burden of Serious Health Related Suffering: Insight from the 2024 Lancet Commission
    Speaker: Dr. Anu Jolly | Moderator: Dr. Kesav Raj
  • 15th December – Opioid Stewardship and Safe Prescribing Practices: Evidence -Based Approaches

Speaker: Dr Bijaya Ningthoujam | Moderator: Dr Pratyasa Padhi

  • 22nd December- Palliative Care in Low- and Middle- Income Countries: Evidence from Implementation Research

Speaker: Dr N Prathyusha | Moderator: Dr Praneeth Suvvari

  • 29th December- Economic Evaluation of Palliative Care: Cost- Effectiveness and Value-Based Outcomes

Speaker: Dr Nikhil Bansal | Moderator: Dr Arun Ghoshal

Lecture Series 4: Sessions Planned for January 2026

We warmly invite you to join the lectures scheduled for January 2026. Details as follows: