Education and Training
Apply before 25th March, 2025, to participate in the ‘IAPC’s Foundation Course in Palliative Care Pharmacy’
Applications are invited before Tuesday, 25th March, 2025, for participation in the seventh online batch of the ‘IAPC’s Foundation Course in Palliative Care Pharmacy’ scheduled to be held on Saturday, 29th March, 2025.
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.
Applications invited for the ‘IAPC’s Foundation Course in Palliative Care for Volunteers’
Applications are invited for the sixth online batch of the IAPC’s ‘Foundation Course in Palliative Care for Volunteers’.
Individuals who can commit, who have the time, and are willing to offer their services in palliative care facilities are invited to register for the course which aims to equip and empower ‘compassionate volunteers’ with relevant knowledge and interpersonal skills needed to volunteer in palliative care settings. The course will therefore place strong emphasis on communication skills, counselling skills, and the various psycho-social issues and its management, which a volunteer might potentially be faced with.
The course will be delivered in two components: a 16-hour virtual and theoretical ‘Part A’ component, and a 16 hour in-person practical ‘Part B’ component. Only those candidates successfully completing both components of the program will be eligible to receive the course completion certificate.
The 16-hour ‘Part A’ component of the course will be delivered over 6 days (2 hours each during the weekdays and 4 hours over the weekend) in May 2025. The course dates for this component of the course are 8th, 9th, 10th, 15th, 16th, and 17th May, 2025.
Please click here for further details and to register for the course.
The ‘IAPC’s Foundation Course in the Physiotherapy – Palliative Care interface’ is now inviting applications
The IAPC is inviting registrations for the ‘IAPC’s Foundation Course in the Physiotherapy – Palliative Care interface’, slated for Saturday, 14th June, 2025.
The one-day course aims to not only sensitise physiotherapists to the palliative care approach and equip them to enhance the quality of life for patients with life-limiting illnesses, but also strives to raise awareness among palliative care providers on the benefits of integrating physiotherapy into their routine practice in order to improve functionality and facilitate rehabilitation.
Physiotherapists (BPT and MPT), Doctors practising Palliative Medicine (MBBS / BDS), and Nurses practising Palliative Care (BSc Nursing, Diploma in Nursing, or GNM) are invited to register for the course.
The course will be conducted between 8:45 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, 14th June, 2025, and will be delivered by expert faculty from across the country. Please click here for further information and to register for the same.
Registrations invited for an online workshop on ‘The Art of Conversations with Patients’ on 27th April, 2025
Registrations are invited for an online workshop on ‘The Art of Conversations with Patients’ scheduled for Sunday, 27th April, 2025, between 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
The half-day workshop is organised by Tata Medical Center (TMC), Kolkata, West Bengal, and is presented by Dr Soumitra S Datta (Consultant Psychiatrist, TMC; Visiting Researcher, University College, London) and Ms Bhawna Sharma (Psychologist, Psycho-therapist and Trainer).
The interactive workshop aims to promote the development of empathy, emotional intelligence, and rapport-building – critical components of effective patient care. Through experiential learning techniques which includes hands-on demonstrations, role plays, and other teaching methods, participants will learn how to use appropriate eye contact, non-verbal cues, and purposeful gestures to strengthen interactions with patients and colleagues.
For further information and to register for the workshop, please click here.
Apply before 15th March, 2025, for the ‘Certificate Course in Counselling Skills in Cancer and Palliative Care’ offered jointly by BHT-K, KMC Manipal and IPOS
Registrations are invited before Saturday, 15th March, 2025, for the fourth batch of the ‘Certificate Course in Counselling Skills in Cancer and Palliative Care’, offered jointly by the Bangalore Hospice Trust – Karunashraya (BHT-K), Bengaluru, and Kasturba Medical College (KMC), Manipal and endorsed by the International Psycho-Oncology Society (IPOS).
The blended learning program aims to help healthcare professionals upskill and advance their knowledge in understanding and managing psychosocial issues in cancer and palliative care. The course will be presented via 6 virtual modules spread over 24 weeks between July and December 2025, followed by a five-day in person session in December 2025, at BHT-K in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
The training program will be delivered by experts in the field of psycho-oncology and palliative medicine.
Please click here to register for the program. Please reach out to the team at kipcer_ccpc@karunashraya.org in case of any queries or if further information is needed.
Download your copy of the ‘The Global Handbook of Pediatric Palliative Care’ now!
The Sunflower Children’s Network, Two Worlds Cancer Collaboration (TWCC) in collaboration with Global Health Dynamics (UK), launched the Global Handbook of Pediatric Palliative Care at IAPCON 2025, the 32nd International Conference of the Indian Association of Palliative Care.
Endorsed by the International Children’s Palliative Care Network (ICPCN), St. Jude Global Palliative Care, and Stanford School of Medicine, the handbook, edited by Dr. Megan Doherty with contributions from an international team of volunteers in the field, is available as a free download on TWCC’s website, with print editions of both adult and pediatric handbooks also available for purchase.
This guide addresses the needs of healthcare providers managing serious health-related suffering in children and adults, focusing on life-threatening and life-limiting conditions like cancer, respiratory diseases, cardiovascular issues, and more. The book covers pocket-friendly versions of Physical Symptom Care, Psychosocial and Spiritual Care, Communication and Medications which can be referred to by healthcare professionals ‘on the go’.
Highlighting the philosophy of palliative care, the importance of good assessment, pediatric care, and balanced care approaches, this 256-page handbook serves as an invaluable resource for frontline healthcare providers with basic palliative care training.
Please click here for further information and to access the free download.
50 nurses from Neotia Getwel Multispeciality Hospital, Siliguri, sensitised in the basics of palliative care on 7th February, 2025
50 nurses from the Neotia Getwel Multispeciality Hospital (NGMH), Siliguri, West Bengal, were sensitised in the basics of palliative care on Friday, 7th February, 2025.
The participants included a combination of GNM nurses, BSc nurses and also nursing students who are working at the hospital.
Dr Pankaj Chowdhary (Consultant Clinical Oncologist, Palliative Physician, Shanti Nursing Home, Siliguri, West Bengal) sensitised participants regarding the basics of palliative care – concept, principles, and the significant benefits of integrating palliative care in the care trajectory for those patients suffering from cancer. Additionally, Dr Chowdhary also highlighted the role of a nurse in providing compassionate care to those suffering from cancer and those going through Chemotherapy.
The interactive session concluded with a rich discussion segment in which the participants had an opportunity to have their queries addressed and address some of the popular myths and misconceptions related to palliative care.
The maiden batch of the ‘Compassionate Leadership Fellowship’ concludes successfully on 14th February, 2025
The Maiden batch of the Compassionate Leadership Fellowship concluded successfully on Friday, 14th February, 2025.
The leadership program designed to equip future leaders of palliative care develop an orientation to compassion, saw the participation of 19 fellows, including 3 international. The first module of the fellowship was a weeklong in-person session at the Believers Church Medical College Hospital, Thiruvalla, Kerala, between Sunday, 18th February, 2024, and Sunday, 25th February, 2024. The second module included 11 monthly remote sessions presented by expert leaders, from the palliative care fraternity. The fellowship culminated with the third module, an in-person weeklong session between Sunday, 9th February, 2025, and Friday, 14th February, 2025, at the Believers Church Medical College Hospital, Thiruvalla, Kerala.
All through the course, the participants were exceptionally well facilitated by the course chairs Dr Chitra Venkateswaran and Dr Mhoira Leng, and ably supported by a committed 11 member mentor team represented by Dr Frank Ferris, Dr Shoba Nair, Dr Anjum Joad, Dr Anil Paleri, Dr Dinesh Goswami, Dr KV Ganpathy, Dr Sairu Phillip, Dr Republica Sridhar, Dr Priyadarshini Kulkarni, Dr Savita Butola, and Sister Alice Stella Verginia.
While Ms Hannah Ikong provided operational support for the first in-person session, Mr Cameron Don provided support for the third / concluding in-person session. The Program was conducted with the generous support of the Indian Association of Palliative Care, the Cairdeas International Palliative Care Trust, Global Health Academy, University of Edinburgh, Believers Christian Medical College and Hospital, and the RMD Trust.
185 individuals participate in the ‘Fellowship in Palliative Care 2025’ offered jointly by IPM, SPCP, BSMMU and St Christopher’s Hospice
On Monday, 17th February, 2025, 185 individuals from 43 countries have begun their journey in the ‘Fellowship in Palliative Care 2025’ offered jointly by the Institute of Palliative Medicine (IPM), Kozhikode, Kerala, the Sanjeevan Palliative Care Project (SPCP), Pondicherry, the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Bangladesh, and St Christopher’s Hospice, London, United Kingdom.
Course participants have been divided into 16 teams who will be mentored by 64 dedicated mentors from 26 countries. The program follows adult learning principles and consists of ten full-day online sessions, assignments, group activities, and interactions with mentors over six months.
The comprehensive 240-hour program is designed to enhance the development, quality assurance, and expansion of palliative care services worldwide. The course organisers also share that the entire program is set in line with the World Health Organization’s Public Health Approach to Palliative Care.
Over 50 individuals participated in the webinar ‘Busting myths on the right to die with dignity in India’ on 20th February, 2025
Over 50 individuals participated in the webinar ‘Busting myths on the right to die with dignity in India’ held via the Zoom platform on Thursday, 20th February, 2025, between 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.. The webinar was hosted by Nivarana in collaboration with the Indian Association of Palliative Care, Pallium India, and the Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy.
A stellar group of panellists from diverse backgrounds presented an excellent and thought provoking webinar. The panel was represented by (in alphabetical order) Dr Dhvani Mehta (Lawyer, Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy, New Delhi), Dr Parth Sharma (Community Physician and Public Health Researcher), Dr Rahul Pandit (Chairman, Critical Care and Emergency, Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital and all Reliance Foundation Health Initiatives), Dr Raj Mani (Intensivist & Pulmonologist; Director, Clinical Services, Yashoda Hospital, Ghaziabad), Dr Rajani Bhat (Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Disease and Critical Care Medicine Physician, Palliative Medicine Physician, Sparsh Hospital, Bengaluru), Dr Rajinder Dhamija (Professor, Neurology and Director, Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences), Dr Roop Gursahani (Consultant Neurologist, PD Hinduja Hospital, Mumbai), Dr Savita Butola (Secretary, IAPC; Commandant, Border Security Force, Tripura), and Dr Smriti Khanna (Consultant Neurologist, PD Hinduja Hospital, Mumbai). Ms Rema Nagarajan (Senior Health Journalist) and Dr Srinagesh Simha (Medical Director, Karunashraya, Bengaluru and Bhubaneswar) joined the webinar as chairperson as they shared excellent inputs and also gently navigated the webinar towards meaningful and rich discussions.
The webinar discussed the legal, medical, and ethical aspects of end-of-life care and palliative care in India, and also provided opportunities for participants to clarify doubts and correct misinformation on the issue.
Please click here to watch the webinar in case you missed it.
35 individuals participate in the IAPC and Sparsh Hospice’s collaborative volunteer training program at Hyderabad on 22nd and 23rd February, 2025
The IAPC and Sparsh Hospice collaborated to deliver a two-day in-person volunteer training program at Sparsh Hospice, Hyderabad, Telangana, on Saturday, 22nd February, 2025, and Sunday, 23rd February, 2025. The training program was supported by Kotak Mahindra Prime Limited (KMPL) under its CSR activities.
35 enthusiastic individuals from across Hyderabad and from various walks of life participated in the regional training program. The 16-hour training program was designed to include a combination of lectures, interactive role plays and case discussions. The course content was curated to suit the needs of a volunteer and empower them with an understanding of the concept of palliative care, management of pain and other symptoms, Home based care, End of life care, basic nursing care, etc.
Course participants will now proceed towards a 16-hour practical training component of the course, at Sparsh Hospice, to cement the concepts learnt during the in-person theory sessions.
The sessions were presented by expert regional faculty from Hyderabad. The IAPC extends its gratitude to each faculty who shared their invaluable time and rich expertise; and to also Ms Sita Kavalipurapu (Head, Training, Sparsh Hospice) and Dr Ganpathy K V (Volunteer program coordinator, IAPC) for their support and coordination towards making the program a grand success.
CHO’s and ASHA’s from Hooghly District, West Bengal, are being trained in basics of palliative care
The Government of West Bengal’s initiative to implement the National Program for Palliative Care (NPPC) has resulted in several cadres of healthcare professionals to undergo training in the basics of palliative care throughout the State.
As a part of this initiative, Community Health Officers (CHOs) and ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activists) workers from Hooghly district in West Bengal will undergo training in batches the basics of palliative care at the Chinsura Health Administrative Building, Hooghly, West Bengal.
A CHO is a healthcare professional who works in primary healthcare centers to provide medical care to communities. Training these CHOs in the basics of palliative care is essential to ensure accessibility to services as they play a critical role in ensuring that communities, especially those in remote and underserved areas, have access to essential health services.
This training program is being led by Ruma Abedona Hospice (RAH) in collaboration with Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute (CNCI). During the training period, Ms Meheli Chakraborty (Palliative Care Nurse expert; CEO, RAH), and Dr Asim Haldar (Master trainer and Medical Officer, Hooghly District Hospital, West Bengal) will present lectures along with interactive role plays and case based discussions as they cover topics such as pain management, symptom management, nursing issues, communication skills, end-of-life care etc.
In the previous months, 8 District Medical Officers from 8 districts underwent an intensive six week training in palliative care at CNCI, Kolkata, West Bengal, in two batches. These 8 District Medical Officers will now act as master trainers and organise training programs within their respective districts.
40 Healthcare professionals participate in the ‘Children’s Palliative Care Leadership Program 2025-26’ at Hyderabad between 25th and 28th January, 2025
40 healthcare professionals (pediatricians, palliative care physicians, nurses, psychologists, and social workers) from across South and Southeast Asia (India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Philippines, and Vietnam) participated in the ‘Children’s Palliative Care Leadership Program 2025-2026’ at the Marigold Hotel in Hyderabad, Telangana. The program is a collaborative initiative supported by Two Worlds Cancer Collaboration, the Pain Relief and Palliative Care Society and Cipla Foundation with partnerships of Canuck Place Hospice, St. Jude Global Palliative Care Program, Division of Quality of Life & Pediatric Palliative Care, Stanford School of Medicine, ICPCN, and Global Treehouse Foundation.
The four-day intensive workshop aimed to address the urgent and critical need to develop pediatric palliative care (PPC) services and champions in a region where over 97% of children require such care and live in low- and middle-income countries with limited access to care.
The workshop provided participants with an opportunity to gain hands-on experiences through home care and hospice visits. They were also exposed to sessions on storytelling, resilience, and essential leadership topics which includes the five practices of exemplary leadership, stakeholder engagement, advocacy, and project development. The ‘Innovation Hub: Leadership Project Showdown’ allowed for participants to pitch their proposals for advancing PPC in their regions. The overlap between the 2024 and 2025 cohorts allowed for knowledge sharing and mentorship between groups.
Participants will now embark on a year-long program which includes monthly online teaching sessions by regional and international experts, mentoring by established leaders, and implementation of leadership projects at their home institutions.
Update from the APM’s lecture series
Report on activities in February 2025
Three very interesting sessions were presented in February, 2025, as a part of the ‘Academy of Palliative Medicine’s online Lecture Series 3’. The series has been designed to present a total of 52 lectures focussing on ‘Recent Advances in Palliative Care’, with sessions from the series being delivered by Students of MD and DNB in Palliative Medicine from across the country and moderated by expert Faculty from across the country.
Sessions in February 2025 began with a comprehensive session on ‘Current guidelines and evidence on Palliative Oxygen Therapy’ presented by Dr Kondi Ravali and moderated by Dr Gayatri Palat. A riveting presentation on ‘Review of current evidence regarding the use of opioids for managing breathlessness’ followed next and presented by Dr Pooja Dutta and moderated by Dr Anish Kumar. Dr Rajani Bhat was invited as an expert guest faculty for the first two sessions in the month. Sessions in February 2025 concluded with an insightful session on ‘MORE care statement on best methods to research in end-of-life care and its implementation’ presented by Dr Vasundhara Sharma and moderated by Dr Varun Yadav. There was no session presented on 3rd February, 2025, due to IAPCON 2025.
The IAPC thanks all our speakers and the moderators for sharing their time and expertise to enrich the knowledge of the palliative care’s community.
Sessions planned for March 2025
We invite you to join us for the lectures scheduled for March, 2025, from the APM’s online Lecture Series 3. Details as follows:
