From Jodhpur to Barmer: Bridging Care with Compassion
– Mr Jagdish Prajapati, Jodhpur
Mrs. Jyoti Devi (name changed), a 47-year-old woman, was diagnosed with carcinoma cervix in 2023. She first visited AIIMS Jodhpur, Rajasthan, on 20th December 2023, where she received treatment in the Departments of Radiotherapy and Surgical Oncology.
During the course of her illness, she was introduced to palliative care services. She visited the Palliative Care OPD on 10th September 2025 with pain and other symptoms. Alongside chemotherapy and radiotherapy, palliative care was initiated to manage her symptoms and improve her quality of life.
For Jyoti Devi and her family, the journey was not only about battling cancer but also about coping with the strain of traveling 230 km from their hometown in Garal, Barmer, to Jodhpur. Each visit required arranging transport, managing expenses, and enduring fatigue amid an uncertain future.
In 2025, her disease progressed to a metastatic stage. A fistula developed, and her pain worsened, requiring care at the pain clinic. As travel became increasingly difficult, the family expressed a heartfelt concern—if similar care could be made available closer to home, their burden would be greatly reduced.
Recognizing this need, the palliative care team at AIIMS Jodhpur connected her with the Barmer district hospital palliative care team, trained by them. With continued guidance, a shared-care model was established.
Gradually, Jyoti Devi began receiving regular care in Barmer. Her symptoms were well managed, medications were timely, and continuous support was ensured locally, while maintaining follow-up with AIIMS Jodhpur. What once required exhausting travel was now accessible near her home, without compromising quality.
This brought immense relief to the family. Anxiety gave way to comfort and trust. Jyoti Devi felt cared for not just as a patient, but as a person. Her family often shared that the care in Barmer felt no different from the compassionate care at AIIMS Jodhpur.
On 18th March 2026, during a routine visit, her son, Prem Maylala, shared a handwritten note of gratitude:
“सर, आप ऐसे सहायता कर रहे हैं जैसे वह (रोगी) आपकी कोई परिवार की सदस्य हो।”
He expressed that both teams cared for his mother as if she were their own family.
Jyoti Devi’s story reflects how continuity of palliative care can bridge the gap between tertiary centres and remote areas—ensuring that no patient feels left behind because of distance.
About the Team:
Mr. Jagdish Prajapati is a compassionate palliative care clinician and trainer, currently serving as a Senior Nursing Officer (Palliative Care) at AIIMS Jodhpur, Rajasthan. Writing is his passion, and he has penned poems, particularly on themes related to palliative and compassionate care.