Education and Training

Only 5 Days Left! Secure Your Spot in IAPC’s Foundation Course in the Essentials of Palliative Care

Doctors and Nurses are reminded that only five days remain to register for the IAPC’s Foundation Course in the Essentials of Palliative Care, scheduled to commence in July 2025. Previously known as the Certificate Course in Essentials of Palliative Care (CCEPC), this basic training is designed to help healthcare professionals integrate palliative care principles into everyday practice, with a focus on effective communication and managing symptoms to enhance patient care.

The course consists of two components:

  • Part A (Mandatory): Online theory sessions scheduled outside regular working hours to accommodate busy professionals.
  • Part B (Optional but recommended): Practical hands-on training.

Completion of both parts enables doctors to obtain RMI (Recognised Medical Institution) status for their workplaces, an essential requirement for procuring and storing NDPS drugs.

Part A – Online Theory Sessions:

  • Late evening sessions on weekdays from 6.30 p.m. to 8.45 p.m. on 14th, 16th, 18th, 21st, 23rd, 25th, 28th & 30th July 2025, and 1st August 2025.
  • Evening sessions on Saturdays (19th and 26th July) from 4.30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Early morning sessions on Sundays (20th and 27th July) from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Separate clinical sessions will be conducted for doctors and nurses.

Eligibility and Course Fees:

  • Doctors (MBBS/BDS): ₹10,000
  • Nurses (BSc Nursing / GNM): ₹4,000

Last Date to Apply: Saturday, 5th July 2025.

Please follow this link for further details and to submit your e-application: https://www.palliativecare.in/fcepc/

APM Launches Essentials of Geriatric -Palliative Care (EGPC); Maiden Batch Starts on 2nd August, 2025

The Academy of Palliative Medicine invites applications for the Essentials of Geriatric-Palliative Care (EGPC) course, starting on 2nd August 2025. This expertly curated, six-month hybrid program blends the fundamentals of geriatrics and palliative care, empowering healthcare professionals to deliver holistic care to elderly patients.

Key Highlights:

  • 10 in-depth modules covering clinical, psychosocial, ethical, and interdisciplinary aspects.
  • Hybrid learning: Flexible, self-paced study via LMS plus interactive, case-based live sessions twice a month.
  • Expert faculty and valuable peer networking.
  • Certificate of Completion endorsed by the Academy of Palliative Medicine and the Indian Academy of Geriatrics.

Eligibility: MBBS graduates with at least one year of clinical experience or postgraduate medical students.
Duration: 6 months

Fee: Rs. 10,000

For details, please visit APM website: www.academyofpalliativemedicine.org

Email to:  apm.iapc@gmail.com

Contact:  63616 46682

IAPC Certificate Course in Basics of Palliative Care- a Blended Learning Program: Registration closes on 5th July, 2025

The Academy of Palliative Medicine (APM) announces that the registration deadline for the IAPC Certificate Course in Basics of Palliative Care (Cohort-2) has been extended to 5th July, 2025. This extension provides additional time for interested participants to complete their enrolment and join this enriching learning journey.

 This six-month, MBBS-level course offers 600 hours of blended learning, combining interactive online sessions with supervised clinical attachments.

If you haven’t registered yet, take advantage of this opportunity!

For registration: https://tinyurl.com/APMBLCC

For details,  ‪Email to:  apm.iapc@gmail.com

Contact: 63616 46682

Enrol Now: Advanced Nursing Skills in Palliative Care Offered by the Academy of Palliative Medicine

The Academy of Palliative Medicine announces a six-month Advanced Nursing Skills in Palliative Care online training program starting on 5th August 2025. Enhance your clinical expertise, communication skills, and holistic care approaches with fortnightly Tuesday sessions (6:30 – 8:00 PM).

Course Fee: Rs. 5,000

For details and registration, visit www.academyofpalliativemedicine.org or contact +91 63616 46682, apm.iapc@gmail.com.

Applications Open for National Fellowship in Palliative Medicine (NFPM) & Nursing (NFPM&NFPN) 2025–2026, offered by IPM Kozhikode and CMAI

Doctors (MBBS/BDS) and Nurses (GNM/BSc Nursing), are invited to apply for the National Fellowship in Palliative Medicine (NFPM & NFPN)) offered jointly by the Institute of Palliative Medicine (IPM), Kozhikode, and the Christian Medical Association of India (CMAI).

This one-year distance-learning program equips doctors with essential skills in palliative care, including symptom management, communication, and ethical aspects. The fellowship offers a continuous, in-depth learning experience through online theory sessions, multiple assignments throughout the year, clinical postings at recognised centres for hands-on training, clinical audits, case presentations, and a rigorous evaluation process at the end of the year.

  • Application Deadline: 31st July 2025
  • Course Fee for Indian Nationals: Rs 40,000/- for NFPM & Rs. 20,000/-for NFPN
  • Seats Available:  NFPM: 25; NFPN: 25
  • Scholarships covering 50% of fees are available for selected

For more details and to apply, visit: https://www.instituteofpalliativemedicine.org/allcourses.php

Applications Invited: Fellowship in Paediatric Palliative Care by Bai Jerbai Wadia Hospital for Children, Mumbai, and Two Worlds Cancer Collaboration

Bai Jerbai Wadia Hospital for Children, Mumbai, and Two Worlds Cancer Collaboration (TWCC) invite applications for their one-year clinical Fellowship in Paediatric Palliative Medicine for physicians in South and Southeast Asia. This fellowship program will begin in January 2026.

The program includes clinical and online training with a dedicated team of international, regional, and local palliative care experts and specialists.

Eligibility: MD/DNB Paediatrics or DCH

Course Fee: USD $1000 (scholarships available for eligible candidates)

Application Deadline: 14th July 2025

This fellowship is endorsed by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (UK).

For details and to apply, visit: www.wadiahospitals.org/child-careers.aspx

Email:  palliative.care@wadiahospitals.org.

Contact: Dr. Veronique Dinand, HOD, Paediatric Palliative Care, +91 9971839244

37 participants successfully participated in the IAPC’s ‘Foundation Course in the Physiotherapy – Palliative Care Interface’ held on 14th June, 2025

Thirty-seven highly motivated individuals—including Physiotherapists, Doctors, Dentists, and Nurses—from across India participated in the seventh batch of the IAPC’s ‘Foundation Course in the Physiotherapy – Palliative Care Interface,’ conducted on Saturday, 14th June, 2025.

The one-day certificate course aimed not only to enhance physiotherapists’ understanding of how they can contribute to delivering holistic palliative care, but also to educate the broader palliative care community on how physiotherapy can augment patient care and symptom management.

The sessions were highly interactive, providing participants the opportunity to engage with expert faculty and each other, fostering rich discussions.

We were delighted by the encouraging comments from participants, even as we also received excellent constructive feedback to help further develop our course.

Some of the participants shared:

“I look forward to more workshops and webinars from IAPC. I Thank the entire team for providing this course which helped me to upgrade my knowledge.“
“I thank the entire team for providing this course which helped me to upgrade my knowledge.”

The IAPC extends its heartfelt thanks to our Course Directors (Dr Kalapana Balakrishnan and Dr Sushma Bhatnagar), our Course Chairs (Dr Meenakshi VV and Dr Thendral Edwin), and all our faculty members for their valuable contributions and support for this program. We also express our sincere gratitude to our course participants for their enthusiastic participation.

Navigating Ethics and Law in End-of-Life Care: A pioneering workshop organised by St. John’s Research Institute, Bengaluru, on 11th June, 2025

A unique one- day workshop on “Best Practices in Ethical and Legal Processes in Withholding and Withdrawing Life-sustaining Treatment” was held on 11th June 2025 at the Conference Hall II, St. John’s Research Institute, Bengaluru. The event was energised by 60 dynamic and interactive participants, including intensivists, hospital administrators, emergency personnel, ethicists psychologists, nurses, palliative care physicians, and other healthcare professionals.

The workshop was led by a panel of experts comprising: Dr. Nandini Vallath (Professor and Head, Department of Palliative Medicine, St. John’s National Academy of Health Sciences, Bengaluru), Dr. Jagadeesh (Vice Principal, Professor & Head, Forensic Medicine, Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Centre, Bengaluru), Dr. Dhvani Mehta (Co-Founder and Lead, Health, Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy); Dr. Amarja Havaldar (Associate Professor, Department of Critical Care Medicine, St. John’s Medical College, Bengaluru), and Dr. Mathangi Krishnakumar (Associate Professor, Surgical and Neuro Intensive Care, St. John’s Medical College Hospital, Bengaluru).

The sessions addressed key themes of Prognostication, Ethical practices, processes for enabling ‘Proportionate Care in serious Illness”, discern end of life phase, with barriers and facilitators to a “good death”, and an interpretation of the Supreme Court judgment, Policies, and the guidelines and framework for India. The participants applied core learnings on legal and ethical considerations in decision-making through real-life case scenarios and group presentations, clarifying doubts with the distinguished panel.

The organizing team emphasized that they envision more collaborative decision-making processes that equip clinical teams to handle end-of-life care decisions ethically, legally, and sensitively.

Excerpts from the feedback of participants:

“This workshop is a vital step in integrating compassion, legality, and clinical judgment into end-of-life care decisions. It empowered me as an intensivist to act with clarity and empathy.”
“Very well curated and very well delivered appropriate course content. There is so much better clarity on the end-of-life care ethics”.

IAPC expresses its sincere gratitude to Dr. Nandini Vallath and team for organising this unique workshop which plays a critical role in building a well-informed, compassionate, and ethically grounded healthcare workforce ready to support patients and families during the most vulnerable moments of life.

Regional Palliative Care Workshop on “Compassion in Practice” held at AIIMS Jodhpur, 21st to 23rd June, 2025

All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Jodhpur, in collaboration with the Government of Rajasthan and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (Government of India), successfully conducted a three-day training programme, ‘Compassion in Practice: Workshop on Palliative Care’ between 21st and 23rd June, 2025. This workshop, organized under the National Programme for Palliative Care (NPPC), aimed to train doctors to provide compassionate, high-quality, and holistic care to patients with life-limiting illnesses.

The event was inaugurated with a lamp-lighting ceremony attended by dignitaries including Dr. G. D. Puri (Executive Director, AIIMS Jodhpur), Dr. Umesh Suranagi, Dr. Kirti Saharan (National Programme Coordinator, NPPC), Dr. Geeta Joshi (President, IAPC), Colonel Yashwant Joshi (Vice President, NAPCAIM), Dr. Manoj Kamal (Professor, Dept. of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care, AIIMS Jodhpur), and Dr. Bharat Paliwal (Additional Professor, Dept. of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care, AIIMS Jodhpur).

A total of 42 doctors from Ladakh, Gujarat, Haryana, Daman and Diu, Punjab, Chandigarh, Himachal Pradesh, and Rajasthan participated in the training. The workshop was coordinated under the guidance of Dr. Nirmla Sharma (State Nodal Officer, NPPC, Rajasthan). The sessions covered a range of important topics such as home-based care, hospital-based care, pain management, communication skills, end-of-life care, and family support. The workshop consisted of lectures, panel discussions, and master classes.

Dr. Umesh Suranagi added that the workshop aimed to provide participants from various states with an in-depth understanding and practical training in palliative care. The focus was on delivering sensitive and holistic care across all levels—primary, secondary, and tertiary. Special emphasis was given to pain management, communication skills, psychosocial support, and end-of-life care, in line with the objectives of the National Programme for Palliative Care (NPPC). Dr. Nirmla Sharma (State Nodal Officer, NPPC) stated that this workshop marked an important step towards transforming healthcare from a purely clinical model to one based on compassion and dignity. She stressed the need to make palliative care accessible to all.

A panel discussion on ‘Which Patients Should Be Referred to Palliative Care? ‘was moderated by Dr. Geeta Joshi. Panellists Dr. Puneet Pareek, Dr. Dharma Ram Poonia, and Dr. Pramod Kumar shared their views. Day 2 featured another panel discussion on Bridging the Gap Between Home-Based and Hospital-Based Care, led by Dr. Bharat Paliwal. Panellists included Dr. Lalit K. Raiger, Dr. Seema Partani, Dr. Deepak Garg, Dr. Jagdish Kumawat, Dr. Geeta Singaria, Dr. Chanda Khatri, and Ms Hanife MacGamwell.

On the last day of the workshop, Dr. Sushma Bhatnagar (former President, IAPC, and former Chief, Dr. B.R.A.I.R.C.H., AIIMS New Delhi) joined online. In her address, she spoke about the journey of the Department of Palliative Medicine at AIIMS Jodhpur. Her speech encouraged all participants to continue their journey in the field of palliative care. Dr. Bhatnagar congratulated the AIIMS Jodhpur team for this initiative.

Dr. Manoj Kamal and Dr. Bharat Paliwal shared that the workshop was not just a training event but an effort to integrate the humane touch into healthcare services. They emphasized that such training programmes not only enhance the skills of healthcare providers but also make the public health system more compassionate and effective.

The programme also received support from the CSR initiative of Cipla Foundation.

Training for Caregivers: A compassionate Initiative by the Department of Palliative Medicine, BBCI, Guwahati

The Department of Palliative Medicine at Dr. B. Borooah Cancer Institute (BBCI), Guwahati, Assam, has launched the “Training for Caregivers” program, which aims to empower caregivers of cancer patients with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively care for their loved ones, thereby improving patient support and quality of life.

Caregivers are taught how to move and transfer patients for their daily activities; prevent bedsores; perform wound dressing; provide stoma care, bowel and bladder care; develop communication skills, including what to say and what not to say; learn about available financial support; practice self-care; and more.

The training program, launched on Tuesday, 24th June, 2025, will continue on Tuesdays, providing a consistent and supportive environment for caregivers as they navigate their difficult journey.

Detailing the program, Dr Kabindra Bhagbati (Program coordinator) shares: “This training program has been curated with the aim to make a positive impact on the lives of cancer patients and their families by enhancing care givers’ skills and confidence. The program also aims to improve patient care outcomes and assure quality of life of patients and carers, provide emotional support and resources to care givers, foster collaboration between care givers, patients and health care teams.“

Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi Successfully Hosts CNE on Nursing Issues in Palliative Care

The Department of Palliative Medicine at Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi recently organized a one-day Continuing Nursing Education (CNE) program on “Nursing Issues in Palliative Care,” conducted in a hybrid format (both online and offline). The event saw an enthusiastic response, drawing over 150 participants from across the country.

The sessions were led by Lt. Alice Stella Verginia (National Faculty, Indian Association of Palliative Care), and Mrs. Sheeba R. S.  (Section Head, Training, Pallium India, Thiruvananthapuram)

With a focus on improving the quality of patient support, the CNE addressed critical aspects of nursing care in palliative settings. The speakers brought deep expertise and practical perspectives, making the sessions highly relevant and engaging. Participants praised the program for its clarity, depth, and real-world applicability, expressing keen interest in more such nursing-focused educational initiatives.

Nurturing the Future of Palliative Care by Engaging Nursing Students: An Initiative by BHT-Karunashraya, Bengaluru

The Bangalore Hospice Trust- Karunashraya, Bengaluru continues its efforts to nurture the future of palliative care through meaningful engagement with the next generation of nursing professionals. In June 2025, the team organised 4 orientation programmes for nursing students from various colleges. Students from Devraj Urs College of Nursing, MVJ College of Nursing, T John College of Nursing, and College of Nursing, NIMHANS participated. These sessions reached 336 students, introducing them to the principles of palliative care, hospice services, and the rewarding opportunities available in palliative care nursing.

This early exposure is a critical step in cultivating a workforce that is not only clinically skilled but also compassionate and responsive to the nuanced needs of patients with serious illnesses. By reaching students at the beginning of their professional journey, Karunashraya is helping to embed the values of dignity, empathy, and holistic care in the future of healthcare delivery.

IAPC expresses its sincere appreciation to Karunashraya for their commitment in building next generation of palliative care nurses.

Let’s discuss about Death: Report form June Edition of ‘Chai Pe Churcha’

‘Chai Pe Churcha is a monthly online live discussion forum facilitated by Dr. Asha Rajendra Deshmukh (Intensivist, Nine Pearls Hospital, Nasik) and Dr. Pankaj Chowdhary (Ex-Director, RST Regional Cancer Hospital, Nagpur, and practicing Clinical Oncologist & Palliative Care Physician, Siliguri, West Bengal), with the aim of facilitating discussions on death and dying. Each episode explores different aspects related to death and dying.

The June edition of Chai Pe Churcha focused on “Loss and Grief – How to Address It Spiritually?”

Fourteen participants from different walks of life—including doctors, nurses, teachers, lawyers, social workers, and psychologists—shared their experiences of grief and loss, and how being spiritually aware helps them accept their circumstances and move forward in life with purpose.

The participants were of the opinion that the uncertainty associated with death is a major factor contributing to death anxiety. ‘Sky gazing’ was assigned as an activity for all participants to observe until the next edition of the program. All participants will share their experiences of this activity in the July edition.

The parting line was a poem: “Do not grieve for me, ‘cause I will be with you in all the colours of the flowers you will see.”

The topic for the July edition is “Life and Living: How We Can Live Better Every Day!”

Academic Series on Palliative Care for Nursing Students: 3rd batch launched by DNipCare jointly with Nursing Council, Goa and ECHO INDIA

The 3rd batch of the Academic Series on Palliative Care for nursing students, organised by Delhiites’ National Initiative in Palliative Care (DNipCare-Delhi) in association with the Nursing Council, Goa, and ECHO India, was launched on 31st May 2025. The online Academic Series was inaugurated by Ms. Kavita Khasa (Deputy Nursing Advisor, Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India).

The series will be delivered in eight sessions, held on Saturdays between 31st May and 19th July 2025. Each session will be two hours long and will cover the theoretical component of the mandatory module on palliative care for 4th-semester BSc Nursing students.

Ms. Flosy Rodrigues e Menezes (Registrar, Goa Nursing Council) was the special guest for the inaugural session. Prof. A. T. Kora (Nursing Superintendent [Retd.], St. Stephen’s Hospital, Delhi) delivered the first session, titled ‘Introduction to Palliative Care’. Dr. C. N. Bhargavi moderated the session. A total of 273 nursing students attended. Mr. K. V. Hamza (General Secretary, DNipCare) and Mr. Subu Rahman, IAAS (President, DNipCare), were also present.

Update from the APM’s lecture series

Report on activities in June 2025

The Academy of Palliative Medicine successfully conducted its Online Lecture Series 3 during June 2025, featuring five lectures delivered every Monday from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. The series provided an excellent platform for knowledge sharing and professional development in palliative care. The lectures were presented by postgraduate students in palliative medicine and moderated by expert faculty, ensuring engaging discussions and practical insights for participants.

On 2nd June 2025, a lecture on ‘Evidence and Current Recommendations Regarding Artificial Nutrition at End of Life’ was presented by Dr. Jefrilla Nancy and moderated by Dr. Meenakshi V. V.

The second lecture in June was held on 9th June 2025. The presentation on ‘Evidence-Based Management of Myiasis’ was delivered by Dr. Arkanil Jain and moderated by Dr. Sachidanand Jee Bharthi.

The 3rd lecture, on ‘Current Recommendations and Evidence for Discontinuing LVADs in a Palliative Care Setting’, was delivered by Dr. Vrinda Satija and moderated by Dr. Varun Yadav, on 16th June 2025.

On 23rd June 2025, Dr. Sushmita Ranga presented a lecture on ‘Current Evidence and Recommendations for Using Mirtazapine in a Palliative Care Setting’, moderated by Dr. Ruparna Khurana. The session was enriched with the discussions led by Dr Soumya Tandon.

The final lecture of June was presented by Dr. Parth Sarthi Jha on ‘Evidence, Current Recommendations, and Management Strategies for Opioid-Induced Hyperalgesia’, moderated by Dr. Isha Jatin Shah.

The lectures delivered in June 2025 were well-received, attracting participants eager to update their knowledge and clinical skills in palliative care. The diverse topics reflected current challenges in the field and offered practical, evidence-based guidance for clinicians.

Sessions planned for July 2025

We invite you to join us for the lectures scheduled for July 2025, from the APM’s online Lecture Series 3. Details as follows