On October 14, 2023, World Hospice and Palliative Care Day was celebrated at Sri Sathya Sai Palliative Care Centre, a unit of PRPCS in Kukatpalli (Hyd), in the tranquil setting of Sri Sathya Sai district, Andhra Pradesh, Puttaparthi. With two dedicated vans for home care, Sri Sathya Sai Palliative Care Centre currently serves about 400 patients, reaching out to those in need across the region.
The day began with a morning ceremony that brought together caregivers, staff, and volunteers to pay tribute to the patients who had peacefully passed away while receiving care at the Sri Sathya Sai Palliative Care Centre. Approximately 100 attendees graced the event, including 20 families of the departed, 16 staff members (1 doctor, 7 staff nurses, 1 pharmacist, 2 home navigators, and 5 housekeeping), 25 volunteers, and Dr. Sai Prajwal, the medical officer at the Palliative Centre. Family members shared their heartfelt experiences of caring for their loved ones during their final stages of life. Subsequently, a candlelight ceremony, a soothing bhajan, and an aarti session were held.
In the evening, a captivating Veena concert was performed by Mr. Bhaskar, who has been a part of the music group known as Sanathana Vaibhavam. This performance graced the courtyard theater of the Palliative Care Centre. The patients under care at the Centre actively participated in the event, and a couple of those receiving End of Life care found solace in the therapeutic music that filled the air.