Education and Training

Final Examination Held Across India on 5th April 2025 for IAPC’s Foundation Course in the Essentials of Palliative Care

A total of 154 doctors and 33 nurses appeared for the final online examination of the IAPC’s Foundation Course in the Essentials of Palliative Care for the January 2025 batch. The examination was conducted across 38 IAPC-authorised centres located in various regions of India.

Since its inception in 2007, this course has remained one of India’s most widely attended introductory programs in palliative care. Conducted twice a year, the course has trained over 11,000 clinicians to date, highlighting its significant contribution to capacity building and the strengthening of palliative care across the country.

The next cohort of the course will commence in July 2025, with online applications opening by mid-May 2025.

Dr. Lulu Mathews (Chairperson, Board of Examinations, IAPC) congratulated and extended heartfelt appreciation to all course coordinators and faculty across the country for their tireless dedication and seamless conduct of both the teaching and examination components of the program.

Last Few Days to Register for IAPC’s Foundation Course in Palliative Care for Volunteers – Applications Close on Monday, 5th May, 2025

Applications close on Monday, 5th May 2025 for the sixth online batch of the IAPC’s ‘Foundation Course in Palliative Care for Volunteers’. Don’t miss this opportunity—register now to confirm your seat!

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 enhance a physiotherapists’ understanding of how they can contribute towards the rendering of holistic palliative care, but also strives to educate the palliative care community on how physiotherapy can augment their patient care and symptom management.

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.

Last date to register: Monday, 9th June, 2025.

Please click here for further information and to register for the same.

Applications are invited for the Cohort 2 of the IAPC Certificate Course in Basics of Palliative Care – a blended learning program

The Academy of Palliative Medicine (APM) is pleased to announce the launch of its 2nd Cohort of the IAPC Certificate Course in Basics of Palliative Care – A Blended Learning Program.

Start Date:  11 July, 2025

Duration:  6 months

Registration deadline: 25 June, 2025

Limited seats available.

This course aims to develop core competencies in palliative care through a structured, blended-learning model. It seeks to enable healthcare professionals to deliver compassionate, evidence-based care to patients with life-limiting illnesses, and to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and clinical practice through experiential learning, guided mentorship, and in-person clinical attachments.

The course covers eight modules, including—but not limited to—symptom and distress assessment and management (both pharmacological and non-pharmacological), communication skills for difficult conversations, ethical decision-making, and end-of-life care.

Course Highlights:

  • 600 hours of carefully curated blended learning delivered over 6 months.
  • Dedicated mentors
  • 2 live synchronized sessions per week for interactive learning on Wednesdays & Thursdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
  • 12 days of supervised clinical attachment for hands-on experience
  • Foundation sessions for introduction and in-person sessions to enhance peer learning.
  • An exit exam is required to qualify participants for certification

This comprehensive structure ensures both theoretical knowledge and practical competencies, preparing the participants to deliver quality palliative care with confidence.

Who can attend: 

  • The minimum qualification is MBBS. The course is open to professionals from all specialties who are interested in enhancing their skills in caring for patients with life-limiting illnesses.
  • Primary care providers and rural healthcare practitioners interested in integrating palliative care into their services.

For more information, please contact: +91 63616 46682 / apm.iapc@gmail.com

Please click here for more details. 

Scan the QR code to complete your course registration.

Applications are invited for the Cohort 3 of the Advanced Nursing Skills in Palliative Care

The Academy of Palliative Medicine (APM) is pleased to announce the launch of its 3rd Cohort of the 6 months training program, Advanced Nursing Skills in Palliative Care. The course will start from Tuesday, 5th August, 2025.  Last date for registration: Tuesday, 15th July, 2025.

The course is designed for nurses seeking to enhance their skills in delivering high-quality palliative care.

This course aims to equip nursing professionals with the essential skills to provide comfort, dignity, and quality of life to those in need, master the art of palliative care, and gain deep knowledge in areas such as symptom and pain management, holistic patient care, communication with patients and families, and much more.

Who can attend: 

  • GNM/BSc/MSc Registered Nurses (RNs) with a valid nursing license and at least 1-2 years of clinical experience in any healthcare setting
  • Nurse educators and faculty interested in integrating palliative care into their teaching practice.

For more information, please reach out to: +91 63616 46682 or  apm.iapc@gmail.com

Please click here  here for further details.

Scan the QR code to complete your course registration.

Certificates Awarded to Doctors Trained in Palliative Care in Puducherry

Certificates were awarded to seven doctors who successfully completed basic training in palliative care in Puducherry. The six-week Basic Certificate Course in Palliative Medicine was conducted by Sanjeevan Palliative Care, Puducherry, in collaboration with several leading institutions in the field of palliative care.

This initiative was jointly organized by Sanjeevan Palliative Care (an initiative of the Aurobindo Society, Puducherry), the Institute of Palliative Medicine (IPM), Kozhikode, and two prominent medical colleges in Puducherry—Indira Gandhi Medical College & Research Institute (IGMC&RI) and Mahatma Gandhi Medical College & Research Institute (MGMC&RI).

The certificate distribution ceremony was held on Wednesday, 19th March, 2025 at Indira Gandhi Medical College & Research Institute, Puducherry.

A team of 15 experienced faculty members from various medical colleges and palliative care institutions facilitated the training sessions for the participating clinicians. Dr. Suresh Kumar (Founder Director, IPM, Kozhikode), Dr. Kavita Vasudevan, Dr. Remadevi, and Dr. Prakash (faculty members, IGMC&RI, Puducherry), along with Dr. Annie (faculty, MGMC&RI), were among the faculty who led the program.

Dr Mohan Raja Subbaraman (Medical Officer, Sanjeevan Palliative Care) was the coordinator of the BCCPM Program.

“The doctors trained through this program are deeply inspired and are actively integrating palliative care principles into their daily practice,” shared Dr. Mohan Raja Subbaraman.

He cited the example of Dr. Menaka (Medical Officer, PHC Murungampakkam, Puducherry), who successfully completed the Basic Certificate Course in Palliative Medicine (BCCPM) from Sanjeevan. Together with her colleagues, she is working toward establishing a model Primary Health Centre for Palliative Care in Puducherry.

Additionally, her initiative has led to the formation of Empathy Clubs in schools, aiming to raise awareness about palliative care among students and nurture compassionate engagement from a young age.

Awareness Programs on the Role of Nurses in Palliative Care Held in Nagaland

Awareness sessions highlighting the vital role of nurses in palliative care were organized at nursing colleges in Nagaland in April 2025.

A session was held at Grace Nursing & Health Science Institute, Dimapur on 4th April, 2025, where 142 nursing students and 13 faculty members were sensitized. The session was conducted by Dr. Obangjungla (Regional Representative, Indian Association of Palliative Care, North East Region). The event was graced by Ms. Watikumla Amlari (Principal), and Ms. Christina Yanthan (Vice Principal) of the institute.

A second session was conducted at the Asian Mission Institute, Dimapur on 9th April, 2025, where 26 students and 5 faculty members participated. Once again, Dr. Obangjungla led the session, emphasizing the importance of nursing professionals in delivering quality palliative care.

These programs aimed to create awareness among future nursing professionals and inspire their engagement in the palliative care movement in the region.

DNipCare, FOSA Delhi, and ECHO India Conducted an Online Sensitization Program on Palliative Care for Students on 12th April, 2025

Delhiites’ National Initiative in Palliative Care (DNipCare), Delhi, in collaboration with FOSA (Farook College Old Students’ Association), Delhi, and ECHO India, organized an online Sensitization Programme on Palliative Care for university/ college students on 12th April 2025.

The session opened with a welcome address by Mr. Subu Rahman, IAAS (President, DNipCare), who highlighted the vital role that students can play in palliative care. He also shared an overview of DNipCare’s contributions to the field since its inception in 2008 in the National Capital Territory of Delhi.

Dr. Sushma Bhatnagar, (Past President, Indian Association of Palliative Care, and Senior Consultant & Clinical Lead – Palliative Medicine, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi) commended DNipCare’s initiative to engage young minds. She emphasized the importance of community involvement in supporting patients through palliative care.

The technical session was led by Dr. Rakesh Garg (Professor, Department of Onco-Anaesthesia and Palliative Medicine, Dr. B. R. A. Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital and National Cancer Institute, AIIMS, New Delhi). He delivered an insightful talk on the principles and importance of palliative care, using real-life examples and addressing every question posed by the enthusiastic student participants.

The sensitization programme continued over the next six days with expert-led sessions covering various aspects of palliative care, aiming to build awareness and empathy among young learners.

‘Chai pe Charcha: Let’s talk about Death and Dying (and living)’– April 2025 Edition

The April 2025 edition of ‘Chai pe Charcha: Let’s talk about Death and Dying (and living)’ saw the participation of 18 individuals from diverse walks of life. The online conversation, held on 24th April, focused on the theme “Death and Dying (and living)“, and stayed true to its evolving goal of engaging the general public more than the medical community.

“This is exactly what we have always envisioned—open, honest conversations about death that include voices from the community,” said Dr. Asha Deshmukh(Intensivist, Nine Pearls Hospital, Nasik), who facilitated the session.

Participants shared personal stories of near-death experiences, time spent in the ICU, and the profound impact of losing a loved one. The discussion also explored the role of spirituality and psychosocial coping mechanisms in rebuilding one’s sense of self after a disorienting ICU stay.

Key themes included ICU psychosis, its ripple effects on families, and how a palliative care approach can offer support during such vulnerable times.

The facilitators of the program, Dr. Asha 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) warmly invite more members of the public to join these conversations, contributing to a society that is more open and death-literate.

The series aims to normalise talking about death among non-medicos and move towards reducing the fear and taboo surrounding death. Additionally, the series also aims to educate the general community that palliative care is for all and not limited to only cancer.

Those interested to join the subsequent sessions are requested to reach out to Dr Asha Deshmukh at betsasha@gmail.com.

GAIMS Malaysia and IAPC Host Collaborative Workshop on Palliative Medicine, on 27th April 2025

On 27th April, 2025, the Global Association for Indian Medical Students (GAIMS), Malaysia Chapter, in collaboration with the Indian Association of Palliative Care (IAPC), conducted an online workshop titled “Healing Through the Hurdles: A Holistic Approach to Palliative Care.” The session was designed to provide pre-clinical and clinical students with an introduction to the key principles and practical applications of palliative care across different healthcare contexts.

The workshop opened with a compelling session by Dr. Anuja Damani (Associate Professor, Department of Palliative Medicine and Supportive Care, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, India) who outlined the foundational structures of palliative care delivery. She spoke about the importance of multidisciplinary teamwork, early integration of care alongside curative treatment, and the need for individualized, patient-centered approaches. Dr. Damani also discussed challenges in crisis,  and humanitarian settings, offering practical strategies for care delivery where resources are scarce.

Dr. Kean Yew Liew (Palliative Care Physician & Internal Medicine Specialist, MOH, Malaysia) followed with an engaging presentation on clinical perspectives in palliative care. His talk highlighted emerging innovations such as telemedicine, AI-assisted care models, and home-based palliative services. He also emphasized caregiver involvement, interprofessional collaboration, and professional development as essential elements of effective care.

The workshop saw participation from around 50 medical students from India and Malaysia, creating a shared space for learning and discussion.

The event concluded with a real-time quiz that helped reinforce key takeaways from the session.

This collaborative initiative between GAIMS and IAPC aimed to promote early awareness of palliative care and its relevance across healthcare settings. The workshop helped dispel common misconceptions while encouraging young medical students to approach care with compassion, sensitivity, and clinical confidence.

Update from the APM’s lecture series

Report on activities in April 2025

In April 2025, the palliative care community had the opportunity to attend three enriching sessions as part of the ‘Academy of Palliative Medicine’s’ Online Lecture Series 3. This ongoing series features 52 lectures on the theme ‘Recent Advances in Palliative Care’, and is delivered by MD and DNB students in Palliative Medicine from across India, with expert faculty serving as moderators.

The month began with an insightful presentation by Dr. Angelin Johny T. on “Embedded Model of Palliative Care Delivery and Evidence to Support This Practice,” moderated by Dr. Divya S K. This was followed by an intriguing lecture on “Compassion Fatigue Among Palliative Care Providers and Evidence-Based Strategies to Mitigate It” by Dr. Sanjeev Kumar, moderated by Dr. Seema Mishra and Dr. Sujata Satapathy.

The third session featured Dr. Pranshu Nahar, who presented a comprehensive overview on “Evidence and Recommendations on Palliative Prescribing in Patients with Parkinsonism,” moderated by Dr. Sudha Sarna.

Please note, there was no session on Monday, 14th April, 2025, in observance of the festive holiday.

The IAPC extends its heartfelt thanks to all speakers and moderators for their valuable contributions and for helping to advance knowledge within the palliative care community.

Sessions planned for May 2025

We warmly invite you to join the upcoming lectures scheduled for May 2025, from the APM Online Lecture Series 3. Details as follows: