3.5 Days, 700+ Delegates: How IAPCON 2026 Evolved into a Vibrant Knowledge Hub A Note from the Scientific Chair – Dr Praneeth Suvvari, Hyderabad Hello everyone. It has been more than a month since we wrapped up the 33rd International Conference of the Indian Association of Palliative Care (IAPCON 2026) in Hyderabad but we are…
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From Pain To Progress: A Rehabilitation Journey After Carcinoma Buccal Mucosa Surgery – Dr Suman Chauhan, Jodhpur Head and neck cancers and their surgical treatment frequently leave patients with lasting functional impairments that extend well beyond the immediate post-operative period. Reduced mouth opening, shoulder dysfunction, persistent musculoskeletal pain, and muscle spasm are among the most…
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Beyond the Hospital: A Nurse’s Vision for Community-Led Palliative Care in India – Ms Meheli Chakraborty, West Bengal “You matter because you are you.” The words of Dame Cicely Saunders are a powerful reminder of our value as nurses. Our worth is not just to ourselves, but to the community we serve. With qualifications as…
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IAPCON 2026: Thoughtfully Reimagining the Conference Experience – Dr Raju SKV, Hyderabad IAPCON 2026, to be held in Hyderabad, represents a thoughtfully reimagined conference experience for the palliative care community. Organised by Sparsh Hospice, Hyderabad and Basavatarakam Indo American Cancer Hospital and Research Institute, the IAPCON 2026 is a conscious attempt to reimagine how we…
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Palliative Care in Indian Oncology: Between Light and Shadow – Dr. Ravi Kiran Pothamsetty, Madurai Timing matters in oncology and palliative care In the corridors of Indian oncology wards, I have often found myself reflecting on a question with no easy answer: “when should palliative care begin?” Should it start immediately after a cancer diagnosis,…
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A Journey of the Heart: How Palliative Care Training Changed the Way I See Volunteering – Ms. Shashikala Devanesen, Chennai As a volunteer from Dean Foundation, Chennai. I had the great privilege of participating in the online Volunteers Training Programme conducted by IAPC from 20-25 November 2025. When I signed up for the Foundation Course…
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Between Loss and Living: Reflections from a Psycho-Oncology Practice – Dr. Priyadarshini Pant, Patiala The past ten days have been heavy, as I lost six terminally ill patients to cancer. The experience, however, is always a mixed bag because, just in the last two days, three of my patients—who are cancer survivors—have reported an improvement…
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The Paradox of Nursing Visibility in Community-Based Palliative Care – Ms. Anu Savio Thelly, Abu Dhabi Despite being the backbone of community-based palliative care, nurses remain largely invisible in global advocacy and discourse, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). While nurses are often the primary providers of palliative care at the grassroots level, policy…
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Upholding Dignity in Healthcare – Dr. Lipika Patra, Meerut Every person holds intrinsic worth, regardless of background, achievement, or social standing. In clinical encounters, patients often feel vulnerable, anxious, or afraid. In our daily practice, unconscious biases can often slip quietly into our work. Patients familiar to us may unintentionally receive preference, while those from…
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Opportunities and challenges in teaching Palliative Care to nursing students – Dr. Latha Srikanth, Jodhpur INTRODUCTION When we talk about palliative care, we usually think of comfort, dignity and the small but meaningful ways in which we can ease a person’s suffering. It is not only about controlling pain or symptoms, it is also about…
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