WHPCD celebrations: 2026

**AHPGIC CELEBRATES WORLD HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE CARE DAY 2026**

The Department of Palliative Medicine, AHPGIC, Cuttack, celebrated World Hospice and Palliative Care Day 2026 with an awareness walkathon and a workshop on “Pain Relief: From Prescription to the Patient’s Home.”

Led by Prof. Dr. Sumita Mohanty, the walkathon saw participation from healthcare professionals, patients, caregivers, volunteers and NGOs, including Umeedein, Amrit Dhara and Rotary Club, promoting compassionate, patient-centred care.

In collaboration with the District Health Administration, Cuttack, the workshop aimed to strengthen palliative care at the primary healthcare level. Doctors, nurses and pharmacists from across the district attended.

The inaugural session featured Group Captain Dr. Deepak Rautray, Director, AHPGIC; Prof. Dr. Rekha Das, Dean and Principal; Prof. Dr. Sumita Mohanty; and Dr. Susanta Kumar Swain, CDMO, Cuttack.

Scientific sessions covered total pain assessment, the WHO pain management ladder, rational opioid use and NDPS regulations. Dr. Pratyasa Padhi highlighted primary healthcare integration, while Smt. Mamina Patnaik, Drug Controller of Odisha, discussed opioid regulation and access to pain-relief medicines.

A panel discussion explored challenges and opportunities in improving access and continuity of care. The initiative reaffirmed AHPGIC’s commitment to dignified, compassionate palliative care—from hospital to home.

Observance and celebration of WHPC Day on 10th October 2026 , Under the Theme: Pain management: Essential part of Palliative care.

Initiated by Serene Palliative Care Dr Obangjungla Serene Palliative Care , (a charitable community Home based Palliative Care in Dimapur, Nagaland) in collaboration with Department of Health & Family welfare / NHM Nagaland and Dimapur AO Baptist Church.

The main objective was to create awareness as Awareness level is very low and strengthen to Palliative Care services. From the government Health department it was the first time to observed the WHPC .With exception of celebration in 2023 by Dr Obangjungla within her own capacity as a government official, the then chief medical officer Longleng, Nagaland.

This year 2026 WHPC day participants were from different institutions, organisations, communities and media. The celebration will definitely have a strong impact towards Palliative Care services in Nagaland.

Every person deserves relief from pain, comfort and dignity. Marking World Hospice and Palliative Care Day, the OBLF (One Billion Lives Foundation) team organised a series of activities to raise awareness about the importance of pain management and spread the message: “Pain should never be ignored, and no one should have to endure it in silence”.

The palliative care teams at Sir C. V. Raman General Hospital, Anekal General Hospital and Marsuru Primary Health Centre (PHC), Bengaluru Rural district, Karnataka, organised screening camps, activities and therapy sessions to mark the day alongside the communities they serve.

On 10 October, the OBLF team organised a sound and music therapy session in the Palliative Care Ward at Sir C. V. Raman General Hospital, Bengaluru, Karnataka, under the guidance of Ms Seema Fernandes. The session offered patients and their caregivers an opportunity to experience comfort, calm and connection.

On 12 October, the team staged a street play highlighting the realities of pain experienced by individuals living with serious illness and the importance of pain management in palliative care. The event was attended by Dr Rajesh K. S., Dr Shashikala, Dr Padma, Sr Dory Margret and Dr Kishore.

In Anekal, Bengaluru Urban district, Karnataka, the team conducted a Pain-Free Community Camp alongside a non-communicable disease (NCD) screening camp. The initiative helped community members recognise pain and distressing symptoms early and understand the importance of timely care. Fruits were also distributed as a gesture of care and solidarity.

From the hospital ward to the hospital entrance and village communities, the purpose remained the same: to build a compassionate, pain-aware community where everyone has access to care, comfort and dignity.

The team extended their gratitude to every patient, caregiver, guest and team member who helped make these activities meaningful.

WHPCD 2026 at JLN Medical College, Ajmer

The Department of Pain and Palliative Medicine, JLN Medical College and Hospital, Ajmer, observed World Hospice and Palliative Care Day (WHPCD) 2026 on October 10 under the global theme “Pain Management: An Essential Part of Palliative Care”. The event began with a lamp-lighting ceremony by Dr. Anil Samaria (Principal) and Dr. Arvind Khare (Chief Medical Superintendent), symbolizing light and hope in compassionate care. Faculty, residents of Palliative Medicine, nursing staff, and students participated actively.

Dr. Deepak Kumar Garg, Head of Department, highlighted the department’s ongoing initiatives, including specialist OPD and IPD services, home-based care, and interdisciplinary teaching, and stressed that pain relief is an essential part of dignified care and not a privilege. A highlight of the programme was the release of two Hindi patient-education posters, “Palliative Care Mein Samagra Peeda” (Total Pain in Palliative Care) and “Palliative Care aur Opioid” and promote the safe and effective use of opioids for pain relief.

Under “Compassion for Today, Hope for Tomorrow,” the programme strengthened awareness and teamwork among doctors, nursing staff, and students, and reaffirmed the department’s commitment to making pain relief and palliative care accessible to every patient who needs it.

🌿💜 World Hospice & Palliative Care Day 2026 💜🌿

Theme: “Pain Management: An Essential Part of Palliative Care”

The Pain & Palliative Care team of the Department of Anaesthesiology & Intensive Care, VMMC & Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, observed World Hospice & Palliative Care Day on Saturday, 10th October 2026.

✨ Highlights included:
💬 A lecture on the Psychological Components of Pain by Dr Abhilasha
🎵 “Healing Notes” — an interactive workshop on music therapy by Dr Farah Husain, exploring the therapeutic power of music in promoting emotional well-being and comfort.

The programme brought together patients, medical students, nurses, doctors and experts, reinforcing our shared commitment to compassionate care, effective pain relief and dignity for all.

Because pain relief is not a privilege; it is an essential part of holistic palliative care.

#WHPCD2026 #PalliativeCare #PainManagement #MusicTherapy #VMMC #SafdarjungHospital

Pain management is more than medicines. Music, performance, shared activity and the company of others to alleviate feelings of isolation and give people something to look forward to. At Coimbatore Cancer Foundation (CCF), our intent for the day was simple: to bring joy and ease the stress that fills the daily routine of patients living with different conditions and the caregivers beside them.

On 9 Oct’ 2026, At RVS CAS, the event was inaugurated by Dr. T. Balaji, Managing Trustee, CCF; Dr. Sreedevi Warrier, Director, CCF; and Prof. Saramma Samuel, Secretary, RVS Groups of Institutions under the theme “Pain Management: An Essential Part of Palliative Care”. A total of 220 attendees took part, including patients travelling from 36 villages. For three hours, the focus was on the people gathered rather than on their diagnoses.

10 Oct’ 2026: World Hospice and Palliative Care Day. Continuing the observance, Dr. Sujitha Dhayananthan and Team from CCF delivered a public awareness programme on hospice and palliative care at Semmozhi Poonga Open-Air Theater, Coimbatore, to encourage community understanding of its importance. There were 287 people who signed the World Hospice and Palliative Care Day banner to show their support.

The public’s support at the awareness programme, along with the joy shared by patients and caregivers the day before, showed how important it is to give patients and their families kind care, good pain relief, dignity and a better quality of life.

SANTVANA Neuro Palliative and Supportive Care Project, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, led by Dr. Priya Treesa Thomas, Professor, Department of Psychiatric Social Work, supported by Cipla foundation, observed World Hospice and Palliative Care Day on 9 October 2026, through a programme “Beyond the Visible: Connecting the Dots in Palliative Care”, which brought together representatives from various organisations working in palliative care and allied fields to foster dialogue, strengthen partnerships and explore opportunities for collaborative action.

The key highlight was the expert talk, “Beyond Observable Pain: Understanding the Context of Suffering”, by Dr. R. Srinivasa Murthy, which underscored the importance of looking beyond visible symptoms to understand the broader dimensions of suffering.

A subsequent stakeholder dialogue explored critical areas for advancing palliative care, including referral pathways, emerging trends, compassion fatigue, capacity building, resource mobilisation, vocational rehabilitation, academic collaborations, community initiatives and research partnerships.

The programme reaffirmed that effective palliative care extends beyond individual services; it requires connected systems, multidisciplinary collaboration and sustained community engagement. By bringing diverse stakeholders together, the initiative sought to strengthen professional networks and advance a more accessible, coordinated and compassionate approach to palliative care.

Celebrated at Max Smart Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, New Delhi, the occasion brought together our healthcare team to reaffirm a shared mission: making safe, effective pain relief accessible to every patient who needs it. Organised by the Department of Onco-Anaesthesia & Pain–Palliative Care, in association with the SOAPC Delhi Branch, the programme featured an insightful review of our opioid policy with pharmacists and an engaging educational session for nurses on the safe and judicious use of opioids in clinical practice.

The interactive discussions and enlightening talks by Dr. (Prof.) Sushma Bhatnagar and team reinforced the importance of knowledge, awareness, teamwork, and responsible opioid use in delivering quality palliative care. Our nurses and pharmacists are indispensable partners in this journey—ensuring that opioids are used safely, pain is managed effectively, and patients receive the dignity, comfort, and relief they deserve. Because palliative care is not just about managing illness; it is about relieving suffering, restoring comfort, and caring for people with compassion. Bringing people together. Building knowledge together.

#WorldHospiceAndPalliativeCareDay #PalliativeCare #PainManagement #SafeOpioidUse #NursingEducation #PharmacyPractice #

World Hospice and Palliative Care Day was observed at Loyola College of Education, Namchi, on 10 October 2026. The observance included the preparation and display of chart paper posters to spread awareness about the importance of hospice and palliative care. A speech was delivered by the College President, Karan Limbu, highlighting the significance of compassionate care, dignity, and support for people living with serious illnesses. Dr Sangita Subba also provided valuable guidance on the importance of hospice and palliative care, making the observance informative and meaningful.

On 10th October 2026, the Department of Palliative Medicine, Christian Medical College Vellore, observed World Hospice and Palliative Care Day, focusing on the theme “Pain Management: An Essential Component of Palliative Care.” The celebrations featured slogan and flashcard competitions, which witnessed active participation and provided a creative platform for expressing perspectives on total pain and its multidimensional nature. Academic and interactive sessions included role plays, a caregiver’s reflection, and discussions on “Beyond the Pain Score: A Person-Centred Approach to Pain” and “Opioids Unmasked: Myths, Misconceptions, and Facts.” An interdisciplinary panel discussion on “Pain Management in Practice: Pitfalls & Pearls” explored practical challenges and insights in pain management.

The sessions also emphasized the importance of identifying pain champions and marked a step towards the vision of a Pain-Free Hospital, strengthening institutional commitment to effective pain assessment and management. Extending awareness initiatives beyond the Hospital Campus, programmes were also organized at the CMC Chittoor Outreach Centre and Ida B. Scudder Hospice, reinforcing the importance of palliative care awareness across clinical and community settings. The event reaffirmed the Department’s commitment to education, awareness and interdisciplinary collaboration in advancing palliative care, ensuring that dignity, comfort and compassion remain central to healthcare.

WHPCD was observed in all the districts of Andhra Pradesh with various activities.

Keezhamad Grama Panchayat observed World Hospice and Palliative Care Day 2026 with a message highlighting the importance of palliative care. At the function held following the Panchayat’s Palliative Management Committee (PMC) meeting, Dr Meera Ajay, Chief Medical Officer of Keezhamad Primary Health Centre, delivered the World Hospice and Palliative Care Day message.

The reference book NAPCAIM Protocol for Palliative Practices, prepared by the National Association of Palliative Care for AYUSH and Integrative Medicine (NAPCAIM), was released at the Panchayat level. Grama Panchayat President Mr Saju Mathai handed over the book to Dr Sarah Nandana Mathew, Chief Medical Officer of the Homeopathy Department.

Mujeeb Kuttamassery, NAPCAIM Kerala State Chapter Secretary and PMC member, explained the contents of the protocol book.

The event was attended by Ajith Kumar, Chairman of the Health Education Standing Committee; Salam Ayat, Chairman of the Development Affairs Standing Committee; Sahida Abdussalam, Chairperson of the Welfare Affairs Standing Committee; ward members Preetha Rejikumar and Tasni Abu; Health Inspector Siraj; Palliative Care Nurse Jolsi; MLSPs; and other health workers and staff members.

PM SHRI Jorethang Senior Secondary School in South Sikkim, under the guidance of Dr Sangita Subba, Senior Consultant in the Department of Medicine, honoured World Hospice and Palliative Care Day 2026 by organising an inspiring inter-class painting competition based on this year’s global theme, “Pain Management: An Essential Part of Palliative Care”.

In alignment with the visionary goals of PM SHRI Schools to foster well-rounded, empathetic citizens, the event aimed to raise awareness of holistic health care, patient dignity, and the importance of caring for patients’ families and caregivers.

The paintings depicted the calming transition from pain to relief, symbolising the essential role of medical and emotional support in a patient’s life. To reward and encourage the students for their participation and imagination, prizes were distributed. Besides, every participant received a token of appreciation, reinforcing the school’s belief that every voice matters when spreading awareness for a noble cause.

Adding to the beauty of the event, Dr Sangita Subba delivered a short, enlightening awareness speech, educating the audience on the true meaning of palliative care. She explained that palliative care is not just about end-of-life care, but also about improving the overall quality of life of individuals living with serious and chronic illnesses that cannot be cured. She also congratulated the students for using their talents to become voices for a highly meaningful global cause.

On the occasion of World Hospice and Palliative Care Day 2026, Dharamshila Rahat Medical Centre, Delhi, organised a Free Pain Management Camp on 10 October 2026, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

Aligned with this year’s theme, “Pain Management: An Essential Part of Palliative Care,” the initiative aimed to promote awareness of pain relief and the importance of improving quality of life for people living with serious and life-limiting illnesses.

The camp offered free consultation with Dr. Amit Jain, Consultant and Head – Pain & Palliative Medicine. It was intended for patients living with advanced cancer, cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory diseases, kidney failure, chronic liver disease, stroke, neurological problems, severe chronic pain and other serious life-limiting conditions.

Through this initiative, Dharamshila Rahat Medical Centre reaffirmed the importance of compassionate, patient-centred care, timely assessment of pain and access to palliative care services. The initiative reflected the spirit of World Hospice and Palliative Care Day by highlighting the importance of relieving suffering, preserving dignity and supporting a better quality of life for patients and their families.

On 10 October 2026, Karunashraya, Bengaluru, and Bagchi Karunashraya, Bhubaneswar, observed World Hospice and Palliative Care Day, reaffirming their commitment to compassionate care, dignity, and quality of life for patients with advanced-stage cancer and their families.

Karunashraya, Bengaluru, in association with Rotary Bangalore Indiranagar, marked the occasion with an evening centred on the theme “Pain Management: An Essential Part of Palliative Care.” The gathering highlighted the importance of addressing the physical, psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions of pain through holistic palliative care.

Bagchi Karunashraya, Bhubaneswar, celebrated the day in the gracious presence of Chief Guest Dr. Sourav Mishra, Head of Medical Oncology, AIIMS Bhubaneswar. The event brought together healthcare professionals, NGOs, academic institutions, members of Rotary and Lions Clubs, bankers, and volunteers. The evening concluded on a melodious note with a special performance by Team Roof Stage.

Both celebrations served as a reminder that palliative care is about more than managing illness—it is about easing suffering, supporting families, and ensuring comfort and dignity at every stage of life.

World Hospice and Palliative Care Day 2026 Celebration
at Sanjeevani Superspeciality Hospital, Raipur, Chhattisgarh

Theme: Pain Management – An Essential Part of Palliative Care

Sanjeevani Superspeciality Hospital, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, celebrated World Hospice and Palliative Care Day (WHPCD) 2026 through a series of educational, advocacy, and community engagement activities aimed at raising awareness about palliative care and highlighting the importance of effective pain management in improving the quality of life of patients living with life-limiting illnesses.

The celebration extended beyond a single-day event, emphasizing education, compassion, and community participation as essential components of comprehensive palliative care. A series of educational sessions was organized for nursing professionals to strengthen their understanding of palliative care principles, pain assessment, symptom management, and compassionate, patient-centred care. These sessions were followed by a quiz competition to reinforce learning, encourage participation, and recognize the efforts of nursing staff in enhancing the quality of care.

Advocacy activities were also conducted for patients and caregivers to improve awareness about palliative care, address common misconceptions, and emphasize that pain and other distressing symptoms can often be effectively managed through appropriate assessment and treatment.

World Hospice Day & KOSISH-the hospice
Elder’s day out!

This day, 10th October, 2026, marked a new ‘inning’ at our centre. We began a programme entitled “Kosish day”, once a week, where the rural elderly would be brought in small batches to our Senior citizen home… they would spend half a day at our centre enjoying each other’s company, roaming around, basking in the sun, being naughty… they would also get a health checkup in that time, snacks, participate in singing, followed by a sumptuous lunch before being dropped back home.

“Koi lauta de mere beete huye din…”

#Palliativecare #ruralelderly #MinistryofSocialJusticeandEmpowerment #NationalInstituteofSocialDefence

The Pain Relief and Palliative Care Society (PRPCS) organised a heartfelt bereavement get-together at Kumudini Devi Hospice, bringing together families who had lost their loved ones after receiving palliative care through the Society’s hospice and home-care services.

The event began with a brief introduction to WPCD, highlighting the importance of compassionate care, effective pain and symptom management, dignity, and emotional support for patients with life-limiting illnesses and their families. One of the most moving parts of the gathering was the sharing of experiences by bereaved families. They spoke about their journeys with their loved ones, the challenges they faced, and how the PRPCS palliative care teams, through both hospice and home-based care, helped relieve their loved ones’ suffering and supported them through some of the most difficult moments of their lives.

The families expressed deep gratitude for the care, compassion, and unwavering support they had received. Many described the palliative care teams as “God-sent angels,”. Their heartfelt words served as a powerful reminder that palliative care extends beyond managing physical symptoms. The gathering was also an opportunity for the PRPCS teams to reconnect with the families they had supported. The programme concluded with a candle-lighting ceremony in memory of the loved ones followed by two minutes of silence. At PRPCS, care does not end with the loss of a loved one.

The Dept of Palliative Medicine, BBCI, has organized a “Community Awareness on Palliative Care” for community members on WHPCD 2026 in Rangia, approximately 60kms from the Institute. The main objective of the program was to make people aware of Palliative care and encourage them for volunteerism. Pragjyoti Sangha, Barmura (Khanapara), Rangia, has come forwarded to host the program as the local organizer.

The awareness program were held in the presence of approximately 80 numbers of villagers of Barmura village, Rangia. Renowned, distinguished and eminent personalities from Rangia participated in the program.

Mr Nabajit Pathak, Rangia Co-District Commissioner, has attended the awareness program as a Special Guest. He formally launched the “Model village of Palliative Care, Barmura” and expressed the importance of such project in Assam for the benefit of the cancer patients. Dr Krishna Ch Gaur, Retd Principal, Mahendra Narayan Choudhary Girls College, the Guest of Honour of the meeting has mentioned about the Cancer epidemic in the North-east and necessity of public awarenesses. Dr K Bhagabati, from the Dept of Palliative Medicine, BBCI has elaborated on the importance of involvement of community. Mr Uttam Changmai, MSW had given a brief overview of ongoing Model Village of Palliative care activities in Mayong. Mr Tarun Sonowal has talked on the importance of volunteerism. Mr Hari Prasad Bora, a volunteer, shared his experiences about serving the people in needs.

Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology Observes World Hospice and Palliative Care Day 2026

The Department of Palliative Medicine, Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology (KMIO), Bengaluru, observed World Hospice and Palliative Care Day on 10 October 2026, under the theme “Pain Management: An Essential Part of Palliative Care.”

The event was preceded by Dr. Yadhuraj Gowda M.K., Head of the Department of Palliative Medicine. The programme was chaired by Dr. Krishnappa, Director, KMIO, and attended by Dr. Naveen, Medical Superintendent; Dr. Basavaraj, Resident Medical Officer (RMO); Dr. Prabha Sheshachar; Dr. Mala S.N.; Dr. Namdimul Hooda; Dr. Mahantesh; and Dr. Shadakshari.

The department shared its efforts to make palliative care more accessible and supportive for patients and families. Initiatives included home-based palliative care, hospice services, music and yoga therapy, volunteer support, and Neravina Kare, its telemedicine service.

The home-care team has completed over 750 visits, reached more than 3,000 beneficiaries and travelled over 12,000 kilometres within a 40-kilometre radius of KMIO, bringing care and symptom relief closer to home.

The programme also raised awareness among over 600 medical and nursing students about recognising pain, assessing it carefully and providing timely compassionate treatment.

The celebration reaffirmed KMIO’s commitment to holistic, patient-centred care that protects patients’ comfort, dignity and quality of life with compassion.

World Hospice and Palliative Care Day at BIACH&RI brought together policy, creativity and compassion, with one message at its heart: care is as much about people as it is about medicine. The central event was an interactive expert panel, “Medical Use of Controlled Medicines in India: Balancing Access, Regulation and Patient Care,” graced by Dr. P. M. Yashwanth, IRS, Zonal Director, Narcotics Control Bureau. Shri Vishal Vilas Rajole, Assistant Director, and Shri Ashish Chakravarti, Superintendent, both of the NCB, joined Dr. Basanth Kumar Rayani and Dr. Vibhavari Naik (Onco Anaesthesia), and Dr. Praneeth Suvvari and Dr. Deepika Reddy Cherukuri (Pain and Palliative Medicine).

The discussion showed that access to essential medicines and safeguards against misuse can coexist when clinicians and regulators share an understanding. The day then turned from policy to expression. The art competition, “Life in the Little Things,” drew paediatric patients, families and healthcare professionals, who poured emotion onto canvas. The photography competition, “The Human Side of Care,” brought moving entries from staff, volunteers, families and healthcare professionals, capturing authentic connections within the healing space. A Hope Board added a personal touch.

Throughout the day, patients, families, healthcare professionals and volunteers pinned handwritten notes of gratitude and encouragement, turning a blank board into a collage of shared voices.

World Hospice and Palliative Care Day 2026
Theme: “Pain Management: An Essential Part of Palliative Care”

Ruma Abedona Hospice (RAH), in collaboration with Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute (CNCI) and WBIAPC, celebrated World Hospice and Palliative Care Day on 9 October 2026 at RNMCRC Inpatient Campus, Chandannagar.

The programme began with a soulful instrumental performance by Mr. Spandan Neogi (sitar), Mr. Ankur Chatterjee (flute) and Mr. Santanu Chakraborty (tabla), creating a peaceful atmosphere.
An interactive panel on “Caregiver Perspectives on Distress,” moderated by Dr. Gargi Nandi, featuring experts from clinical care, nursing, education and caregiving, the discussion explored holistic pain management, timely treatment, teamwork and compassionate care, policies.

Dr. Sankar Sengupta, Medical Superintendent, CNCI, delivered an informative talk on palliative care followed by a dance by hospice team.

RAH also organised a photography competition for patients and caregivers, inviting them to interpret the theme through photographs taken within the hospice, while protecting patient privacy. Four distinguished judges assessed the photographs and interviewed participants to understand their perspectives. The three best entries received cash prizes and certificates.The celebration reinforced our belief that pain management goes beyond physical relief—it is about compassion, dignity, hope and quality of life. Sometimes, a photograph captures what words cannot express.

The Programme was inaugurated by Chief Guest Dr. Alok Srivastava, COO, Apollo Hospitals, and Guest of Honour Dr. Susanta K. Swain, CDMO, Cuttack, through ceremonial lighting of the lamp. Dr. Mami Parija introduced the theme, followed by a session on Pain Essentials by Prof. Sukdev Nayak, SOA University.

Dr. Pragati Panda presented the Amrit Dhara Pain Report, highlighting the burden of pain and challenges in pain management in Odisha. Dr. Shovan Kumar Rath, Pain Physician, was felicitated for his professional excellence. A panel discussion on “Pain Management: Patient-centered Strategies”, moderated by Prof. Bidhu K. Mohanti, Bagchi Sri Shankara Cancer Centre, featured Dr. Susanta K. Swain (CDMO, Cuttack), Dr. Shovan Rath (Pain Physician), Dr. Aditya Mishra (Medical Oncologist), Dr. Sandeep Muzumder (Radiation Oncologist), Dr. Tushar Kanta Dash (Media), Ms. Sucharita Das (Nursing Superintendent), Mr. Sanjay Kanungo (Caregiver), and Smt. Mamina Pattnaik (Drug Controller of Odisha). The discussion addressed opioid availability, policy bottlenecks, multidisciplinary teamwork, and caregiver involvement.

Prof. B. N. Mohanty conducted an engaging quiz on pain management in palliative care. The Programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr. Chandrasekhar Panda, Trustee, Amrit Dhara Palliative Care Trust. The event reaffirmed the collective commitment to compassionate care, equitable access to pain relief, and ensuring that no patient in Odisha lives or dies in pain.