Social Justice and Palliative Care – Ms. Anu Savio Thelly, Pondicherry The theme for ‘World Day of Social Justice’ 2023 is “Overcoming Barriers and Unleashing Opportunities for Social Justice”. Social justice is the view that everyone deserves equal economic, political and social rights and opportunities. It refers to ensuring justice regarding the equal distribution of…
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Women of Substance in Palliative Medicine – Dr. Vidya Viswanath, Vishakapatnam International days and weeks are occasions to educate the public on issues of concern, mobilize resources and political will to address global problems, and celebrate and reinforce the achievements of humanity. ‘International Day of Women and Girls in Science’ began as a resolution by the…
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Human Fraternity – “Fellow Travelers, Sharing the Same Flesh” – Dr. Odette Spruijt, Launceston, Tasmania, Australia February 4th was the International Day of Human Fraternity. This day was first established by the United Nations General Assembly on December 21st, 2020, (resolution 75/200) as a way to promote greater cultural and religious tolerance. It was inspired…
Read MoreMy Experience with ‘The Platinum Rule’ – Dr. Seema Rao, Bengaluru Nina (name changed) was a feisty 68-year-old lady with metastatic leiomyosarcoma of the uterus. For 16 years, she underwent multiple surgeries followed by sessions of chemotherapy and radiotherapy to get the disease under control. With all disease-directed therapy exhausted, Nina was advised comfort care.…
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A few reflections from my diary – Dr. Gayatri Palat, Hyderabad As the ‘International Day of Women in Multilateralism’ celebrates the role played by women in the promotion of human rights, peace and sustainable development within the multilateral system, I salute the women in the world of palliative care who are increasingly holding key decision-making…
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Let me live, before the last evening of my life… – Dr. Arkanil Gain, New Delhi People say that Human life is one of nature’s most beautiful creations. From inception, we have run through miles after miles and traverse endless dimensions of space and time, to make a mark on this earth, and, to make…
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Impact of Palliative Care on the Spirituality of the Healthcare Provider – Ms Sarada Lingaraju, Hyderabad Working in a palliative care centre or an end-of-life care centre is often viewed as a very ‘special kind of work’ by the society. Though many ‘choose’ to work in this field for ‘a career’, the community often interprets…
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HIV/AIDS – Still stuck in the past – Dr. Sreedevi Warrier, Thiruvananthapuram 1981. The year when the monster of Human immunodeficiency virus/Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) started surfacing and wreaking havoc in the lives and minds of people. Little did we know that it was just the beginning of a global epidemic which continues even today.…
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The critical need to integrate palliative care in neo-natal and infant care – Dr. Krithika Rao, Manipal As of 2020, UNICEF reports India’s Neonatal Mortality rate is 20 per 1000 live births. The major causes of neonatal deaths are Prematurity & low birth weight (46.1%), Birth asphyxia & birth trauma (13.5%), Neonatal Pneumonia (11.3%), Other noncommunicable…
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The Palliative Care Approach: Integration an Imperative – Dr. Ashita Singh, Chinchpada It is a privilege for me to share a few thoughts on this important theme which I believe, is crucial for health care in our country. There are a few questions that present themselves as we consider this for our country: What do we…
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