From the President’s Desk
Dear All,
My Greetings to All!
My connection with the IAPC is deep and spread over four decades since late 1980s. I was fortunate to be a part of Gujarat Cancer & Research Institute (GCRI), Ahmedabad, Gujarat, since the early 1980s and was able to continue there my whole career. It is here in GCRI that the Indian Society for the Study of Pain (ISSP) and the IAPC were formed under the legendary leadership of Dr M T Bhatia, my senior and mentor. So, I can say that Palliative Care is in my blood, thoughts and actions. In the past, I have also served as Secretary and President for ISSP and also as President, South Asian Region, ISSP.
I had been an Executive Member of the IAPC for over a decade, however, I never dreamt to become its President. The Presidency just came my way, and of course I am happy about it. My predecessors have done a fantastic job and we are now an over 2500 strong community of Life Members. I assure you that I will walk the same path of progress and ensure that IAPC attains greater height and laurels. I have some ideas; academic as well as governance, on which I will be focussing my attention and energy with the active support from you all.
The tasks and projects initiated by Dr Sushma Bhatnagar will continue. In addition, I have taken up the following projects to be completed in 2025.
- Bylaws of IAPC: The amended Bylaws have been prepared and will be uploaded on the IAPC’s website shortly.
- SOPs: Nine SOPs have been formulated on different aspects of IAPC governance. Post proper scrutiny the same will be uploaded on the IAPC’s website.
- Membership Register: I am getting the old membership documents from Dr Abhijit Dam, the former Secretary and thereafter we will have proper documentation of all the members of IAPC.
- Membership Drive: There is a need to increase membership, particularly from the Northern and North Eastern States. Plans are currently being devised and I hope for better results with the active support of our 10 Regional Representatives.
- Academy of Palliative Medicine (APM): It is aimed to strengthen the APM under IAPC, by forming guidelines for its management and expansion of various additional courses.
- Fiscal Strengthening: We need money, more and more! I will be working on fund generation activities and at the same time, we will maintain strict financial discipline.
- Appreciation Awards: The IAPC is over three decades old and during this journey, several people have selflessly have given their heart, mind and hands towards the growth and stabilisation of the IAPC. Now, the time is ripe to recognise, appreciate and show our gratitude to each of them for their support and noble work.
Well, I am deeply honoured to serve as the President of the IAPC and with the collective efforts of our dedicated members, we will strengthen our foundation, expand our reach, and make meaningful advancements in palliative care.
Looking forward to working alongside each of you to achieve our shared vision.
With warm regards,
Dr. Geeta Joshi
President, IAPC