Realising compassion in people and communities: A step towards universal access to palliative care – Ms. Heather Richardson, London Introduction This paper originally had the title “Empowering people and compassionate communities.” I love the sentiment, and it would have been easy to put pen to paper, writing in an enthusiastic way about ideas to help…
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World Hospice & Palliative Care Day 2025 – Achieving the Promise: Universal Access to Palliative Care – Dr. Stephen Connor, Virginia, USA This year we celebrate the 20th anniversary of World Hospice & Palliative Care Day (World Day). What started as ‘Voices for Hospice’ concerts around the world turned into a day to recognise hospice…
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Brain tumours: Care, even when there is no cure – Dr. Smriti Khanna, Mumbai A 6-month-old orphan child got admitted with poor cry and progressive decrease in leg movements. He was admitted to the ICU and needed to be put on a ventilator because of worsening drowsiness and difficulty breathing. An MRI revealed a large…
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At the Heart of Care: The Expanding Scope of Palliative Care Nurses in Humanitarian Settings – Ms. Erin Das, Nairobi, Kenya This article was written with support and input from colleagues working in a refugee camp in Kenya, Annalice Otoro and Ali Abdullahi Khamis, whose insights from the field continue to inform and inspire efforts…
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Safeguarding the Forgotten: Palliative Care as a Response to Elder Mistreatment – Mr. Avtar Singh Cheema, Chandigarh Elder abuse is a silent yet deeply troubling crisis that affects millions worldwide, including India’s aging population. It refers to any intentional act—or failure to act—that causes harm or places an older adult at risk. Abuse can take…
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Embracing Compassion in Palliative Care – Mr. Sandeep Singh, Bathinda I began my professional journey as a Nursing Officer in various private hospitals across Punjab, working in departments such as the Emergency Ward, ICU, and General Ward. During this time, I cared for many cancer patients. Yet, despite this experience, I had never come across…
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The Final Embrace: What the Pope’s Last Journey Teaches Us About the Role of Nurses in End-of-Life Care – Ms Sangeetha Murugan, Bengaluru “Thank you for bringing me back to the Square.” — Pope Francis, to his nurse and healthcare assistant, Massimiliano Strappetti In the stillness of his final hours, Pope Francis offered a simple…
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Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures: A Call for Equitable Healthcare – Dr Shaheer Abdulla, Ajmer World Health Day (7th April) always brings a sense of hope—a chance to celebrate the progress and dream of a future where everyone can enjoy good health. The theme for this year, ‘Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures’, reminds us that every new…
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My unexpected foray into palliative care – Ms Surabhi Mondal, New Delhi I walked into palliative care in a totally unexpected way. I did not have much idea about palliative care until I was posted into the palliative care unit. I am now confident to share that each of my experiences while working in a…
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Empowering Patients Navigating Malignant Bowel Obstruction – Dr Devina Juneja, Delhi In the intricate landscape of cancer care, especially among those patients confronting advanced gastrointestinal and ovarian cancers with multiple peritoneal metastases, patients are often made to navigate symptoms and treatment decisions which pose formidable challenges for them as well as for healthcare providers. Malignant…
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