From the President’s Desk
Dear Friends,
I am excited to share with you that the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), Government of India, has recently announced the inclusion of Palliative Care services into the Ayushman Bharat’s Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs) across the country. I am hopeful that this move will help in making palliative care services accessible to people in every corner of the country. Further details about this is available in the ‘Announcements / Messages from IAPC‘ section of this newsletter.
I am thrilled to announce yet another unique initiative of IAPC, the ‘Pictures to Moments – Together for palliative care’ campaign to celebrate ‘World Photography Day’ (19th August, 2023). This initiative has been themed, ‘Together for Palliative Care’ in observance of this year’s World Hospice and Palliative Care Day. The IAPC invites the palliative care fraternity to submit entries before 5 p.m. on Sunday, 6th August 2023. I urge my dear friends to use this opportunity to unleash one’s hidden talents and also contribute to the photo gallery which aims to raise awareness about palliative care. Please click here for further details about this.
The ‘IAPC’s Infographic of the month’ for August 2023, focuses on the ‘General Myths of Palliative Care (Part 1)’. There will be 2 more infographics on this theme published in the subsequent editions of the newsletter. Thank you, Dr Wasimul Hoda, for your support towards this initiative.
July has been busy for the IAPC’s academics team. The Academy of Palliative Medicine successfully launched its 1st online batch of the ‘Advanced Nursing Skills in Palliative Care’ on Tuesday, 18th July, 2023. A total of 60 nursing professionals who are already working in palliative care from across the country are participating in this program. The 7th online batch of the IAPC’s ‘Certificate Course in Essentials of Palliative Care’ (CCEPC) also began on Saturday, 22nd July, 2023. A total of 236 clinicians (191 Doctors and 45 Nurses) spread across the country, are participating in this batch of the basic course in palliative care. The now renamed ‘Academy of Palliative Medicine’s online Lecture Series 1’ began at 6:30 a.m. on Monday, 17th July, 2023, and will go on to deliver a total of 37 lectures. It is also encouraging to know about the various academic programs that are being organised from across the country. I invite you to read the ‘Education and Training’ section of this newsletter for further information about these programs.
I am pleased to also share that the newly formed State Chapters of the IAPC are enthusiastic and are actively organising programs to raise awareness and train individuals in palliative care. Further details about these activities conducted by the IAPC’s West Bengal State Chapter and the IAPC’s Delhi State Chapter, are mentioned in the ‘Education and Training’ section of this newsletter.
It’s always a matter of pride to share and celebrate the achievements of our colleagues. Hearty congratulations to Dr Naveen Salins, Dr Gayatri Palat, and Dr Nipun Lamba for their recognitions. Please visit the ‘Awards and Recognition’ section of this newsletter to learn more about their awards / recognitions. On behalf of the IAPC, I wish each of them continued success in their journey.
Through the IAPC’s exclusive article’s section, we strive to bring to you interesting and though provoking articles, from our colleagues from across the globe. The contributors towards this month’s articles are:
Mr Vivek Sharma (Mumbai): ‘The Last Wish: To Live and Let Live’, in commemoration of World Youth Skills Day (15th July, 2023)
Dr Betty Mary Abraham and Dr Richa Geo (Kerala): ‘Importance of quality friendship within palliative care teams’, in celebration of International Day of Friendship (30th July, 2023)
Dr Ruparna (New Delhi): ‘Cancer: just wants to be…’
Ms Meheli Chakraborty (Kolkata): ‘Bold Love’
Congratulations to all authors, and above all, we ‘Thank you’ for your support!
Most importantly, please note that the last date to avail the early bird registration to participate in the 31st Annual International Conference of the Indian Association of Palliative Care (IAPCON) has been extended to Tuesday, 15th August, 2023. I urge each of you to grab this opportunity and participate in IAPCON 2024. Please click here to visit the conference website and register.
Take care.
Dr. Sushma Bhatnagar
President, IAPC