WHPCD celebrations: 2022

Department of Palliative Medicine celebrated the World Hospice & Palliative Care Day 2022 by organizing multiple events for patients and their families’ to create awareness about the importance of Palliative Care in improving their quality of life, and to empower them to improve patient care at home. Target audience were patients, their families and hospital staff.

Program started with introduction to Palliative Care and its role in improving quality of life of patients and families, by Dr Ashish Mazumdar (HOD, Palliative Medicine), followed by a wonderful motivational talk by Medical Director of Balco Medical Center, Dr Bhawna Sirohi.

Department of Palliative Medicine launched a Patient information Brochure about available Palliative Care Services in BMC.

There was an experience sharing session by patient’s families, regarding role of palliative care in improving their quality of life. Listening to previous patient’s wonderful experiences was very impactful to present patients and families in opting for palliative care services in their journey of illness.

Our nurses organised hands on workshops for patients and families to teach them patient care at home. Training in wound care, stoma care, lymphedema care, tube feeding and nutrition etc was provided. Followed by a Nukkad Natak (skit) to reflect the importance of Palliative Care for patient and family. Program was concluded with healthy refreshment for all, including patients and families.

On occasion of World Hospice and Palliative care day 2022, Department of Palliative Medicine & Department of Anaesthesiology at Sr Aurobindo Medical College and PG Institute, Indore organised a CME on “Evolving Concepts of Pain” on 7th Oct 2022, 2 to 4PM at Lotus Hall. The event was graced and inaugurated by Founder Chairman SAIMS Dr. Vinod Bhandari Sir. He also highlighted on the need of Pain and Palliative Care services in the society. SAMC & PGI is the only institute in central India to have a separate Department of Palliative Medicine.

The Chief guest and keynote speaker for the CME was Dr. Roopesh Jain, Prof., Anaesthesiology, LN medical College, Bhopal. He enlightened the audience on the need of Interventional therapies in pain management. The chairpersons for the CME were – Dr. Shrikant Rege, Dr. Virendra Bhandari, Dr. Pradeep Chaudhary, Dr. Manoj Kela, Dr. Vinod Dhakad, Dr. Rajesh Patidar and Dr. Anshul Taran. In the CME Dr. Pankaj Singhai and Dr. Swapnil Kumar Barasker delivered talks on ‘Choosing opioids wisely’ and ‘Non opioids analgesics’, respectively.

The CME was attended by faculties, post-graduates and Interns. The proceedings were handled by Dr. Ritu Verma and vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Sarita Gohiya. The CME would not have been successful without support of Dr. Rajesh Kumar Jha and Dr. Dipti Saxena. At SAMC & PGI, we work with the vision of holistic care of patient using interdisciplinary approach.

Dept. of Palliative Medicine & Medical Oncology organized CME on WHPCD & about 100 members of faculty from all across the institute attended the event.

The event was chaired by Honorable Emeritus Chairperson of the university Dr. M. L. Swarankar Sir who has given his kind blessings and generous support to palliative department, Vice-Chancellor cum President Dr. Sudhir Sachdev Sir, Pro Vice chancellor Dr. G. N. Saxena Sir.

Honorable Chairperson of MGUMST, Dr. Vikas Swarnkar Sir conveyed his best wishes to the department. It was his vision leading to establishment of the department.

The department was formed under guidance of Eminent Oncologist Respected Dr. Hemant Malhotra Sir (Senior Professor & HOD) Medical Oncology. He conveyed his kind blessings to students and faculty of department. Event was started off with talk delivered by Dr. Sudha Sarna (HOD Dept of Palliative Medicine). She introduced palliative care and its various multidimensional aspects to all.

Dr. Nipun Lamba (Asst. Professor & Pain Physician) talked about journey & growth of Pain & Palliative Medicine Department. He also informed about various Interventional Pain procedures done at the institute.

Dr. Lalit Mohan Sharma, (Sr. Consultant Medical Oncology), talked about Role of Oncologists in Palliative care.

Dr. Rajgovind Sharma talked about importance of Palliative Care Integration at all levels of Cancer Management.

The event ended with aim of developing better pain and palliative care services.

RGCIRC, Rohini, organized a full day programme on October 8, 2022. The morning session started with inaugural remarks by Mr. D. S. Negi (CEO, RGCIRC, Rohini), Dr. Sudhir Rawal (MD, RGCIRC, Rohini) and Dr. Gauri Kapoor (MD, RGCI, Niti Bagh). This was followed by scientific sessions which included talks on Introduction to Palliative care and Hospice by Dr. Kinshuki Jain (Consultant-incharge, Dept. of Pain and Palliative care), Communication Skills by Dr. Ullas Batra (Co-Director Medical Oncology) and End of Life Care and practical experiences of Ganga Prem hospice by Dr. A. K. Dewan (Director, Surgical oncology).

A panel discussion on the theme “Healing Hearts and Communities – The Indian Scenario” was moderated by Dr. Rajiv Chawla and included Dr. Pinky Yadav, Dr. Kinshuki Jain, Dr. Savera, Ms. Madhumita Dhall, and Mrs. Indra Jasuja as panellists. It served as a brain storming exercise on present day status of palliative care in India. Practical experiences of Palliative care reflected in accounts by practitioners and caregivers themselves in the session “Sail through the journeys”.

The afternoon had sessions with cancer survivors and caregivers sharing their experiences and poems. The RGCIRC doctors and staff also contributed their poems, and cultural dance. Poems and slogans on the theme “Heart to Heart” were also solicited before the event, which also received a warm response from general public. The programme was a success with large participation.

To commemorate World Hospice and Palliative Care Day (WHPCD) this year, the Palliative Care Department in Bangalore Baptist Hospital conducted several events over the week of October 8 – 15, 2022. These events included public awareness programs, a staff poster competition and a memorial service.

Over the course of the week, 4 public awareness programs on palliative care were conducted in the various patient registration areas in the hospital, during peak hours. These were conducted as skits covering conditions needing palliative care and its benefits.

A poster competition was also conducted for the staff and students of the hospital, in collaboration with the Geriatrics Department with the theme “Palliative Care in the elderly”. 14 entries were received and all the posters were displayed on the walls of outpatient department areas for the entire week. The best 3 posters were awarded prizes.

A memorial service for bereaved families was conducted on October 14, 2022. This annual event is hosted by the department every October close to WHPCD, as part of bereavement care as well as to increase awareness regarding palliative care. About 200 people attended this poignant program where several families shared their experiences of caring for their loved ones. The program ended with a candle-lighting in memory of the departed. Many families expressed their appreciation to the team for their service and for conducting this program.

World Hospice and Palliative care Day Celebrations at Sri Guru Ram Das University of Health Sciences Sri Amritsar.

Under the Guidance of Dean Dr A P Singh, Awareness talk and Poster competition among medical graduates was held and Prizes were distributed among winners.

We conducted a free medical health check up and awareness camp for the tribal population of Ganderbal district of Kashmir with the aim to heal hearts and community and to leave no one behind.

We at the palliative care department at Cancer Institute WIA celebrated the WHPC Day 2022 with a webinar entitled “Managing the dying patient” in tune with this year’s theme of “Healing hearts and communities”. The webinar was targeted at physicians and their teams to empower all the loving families who care for their sick relatives at hospital or home. The webinar drew a number of participants (over 120) both national & international. Dr Kalpana Balakrishnan welcomed the faculty and participants & briefed the audience on the development of palliative care services at Cancer Institute. Dr Sushma Bhatnagar began the academic proceedings by emphasising the importance of end-of-life care. Dr Rajam Iyer elucidated the signs of the dying patient, while Dr Seema Rao shared techniques in navigating difficult conversations. Dr Stanley Macaden, who ably guided us whilst planning this webinar, shared his vast experience in managing dying patients at home and empowering the families to do so. Dr Roop Gursahani addressed the legal position & ethical issues with evidence and case stories. The role of the subcutaneous route of administration was elaborated by Dr. Meenakshi. We wrapped up the session with the video demonstration of the same – Courtesy: Bangalore Baptist Hospital. Overall, the PC team at Cancer Institute were encouraged that the oft neglected subject of dying had garnered a lot of interest. Certificate of participation & TNMC credit hours were awarded to the participants

World Hospice and Palliative Care Day was celebrated in Dr. B Borooah Cancer Institute on 8th October 2022 with an Interactive session with caregivers. The programme was organized by the Department of Palliative Medicine. Caregivers from various parts of Assam participated in the programme and shared their views about the service they received and gave valuable suggestions for improvement. Mr. Tarun Sonowal interacted with the patients and relatives and also with various NGO’s and individual volunteers.

Earlier Dr. Amal Chandra Kataki, Director of BBCI has inaugurated the programme and elaborated about the future plans of community activities of Palliative care of Dr B Borooah Cancer Institute. Dr Kabindra Bhagabati, In-charge of Palliative Medicine, gave an overview of history of Palliative Medicine. Dr Abhigyan Sarma talked about the home care services of the department. Mr Uttam Changmai has presented statistical data about various schemes available and the number of beneficiaries from each scheme.

Approximate 50 number of patients and relatives from various parts of Assam participated in the programme. Volunteers, philanthropist, NGO’s, interns, students and staffs of BBCI also attended the programme.

The programme was anchored by Dr. Samujjhal Bharadwaj came to an end with cultural activities from the patients and service providers of Palliative care.

Banu (name changed) carries double stigma – single mother and HIV positive. To add to this, her younger child is also HIV positive. Determined to give her children a secured future, she does not let grief to consume her. GB team supports her with nutritional requirements and a sewing machine for livelihood.

Banu is undoubtedly a sign of resilience but has she got any other choice? Even the smallest hope in life is a distant star for her. She yearns for simple things like taking a break from routine. She hardly has any memories of being at peace, being idle even for a few hours.

The GB team strives to give people what is often ignored but most needed. On the World Hospice and Palliative Care Day, we gifted her family an exclusive night stay at Mamalla Beach Resort. She was moved to tears of joy.

“I don’t have any words to tell what this means to me. This is beyond what I could imagine in my life, thank you so much.”

Her children took photos and videos to capture the memories, jumped in joy, played around. Banu for the first time in her life, sat in a comfortable chair, watched her children playing. She rested her back and thought ‘this is how heaven feels!’

Growing up, Anisha (name changed) and Ankitha (name changed) have seen productive women, anxious and apologetic women. But they never knew relaxed women. For the first time, they saw a relaxed woman in their mother! The family will cherish this day and so is the GB team!

On Sunday, 9 October 2022 CanSupport partnered with Dharamshila Rahat Medical Centre for ‘Healing Hearts and Communities – A Music Concert’ by renowned ghazal singer Dr Radhika Chopra to Celebrate World Hospice & Palliative Care Day 2022 at NCUI Auditorium, Delhi.

The chief guest at the event Dr Sushma Bhatnagar – the Chief at Dr BR Ambedkar Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital, AIIMS Delhi and the President of Indian Association of Palliative Care in her keynote address said, “The care that CanSupport teams give to those living with cancer, in their homes is unimaginable. Every doctor, nurse and counsellor at CanSupport is very disciplined and respectful towards everyone. That’s what every patient wants – Respect. This is what Palliative Care is about.”

Other prominent people at the event were – Dr Survesha Khanna, the founder of Dharamshila Rahat Medical Centre, Sophie Ahmed, the former Managing Committee member of CanSupport, Dr Ambika Rajvanshi, the CEO of CanSupport and the RWA presidents of many colonies in South Delhi that are around CanSupport’s headquarters in Gulmohar Park.

The event was also attended by 70 CanSupport home care patients and their caregivers.

Dr Radhika Chopra, the renowned ghazal singer who sang at the event pro bono, mesmerized the audience not only with her flawless singing but also with her warmth.

The event lived up to its theme of ‘Healing Hearts and Communities’. Each attendee went back feeling refreshed and uplifted.

An awareness programme was organized on World Hospice And Palliative Care Day on 8th October 2022 at AHPGIC Lecture Hall  under the theme “Healing Hearts And Communities” for the Indoor patients and patient’s attendant in which they expressed their emotions and experiences which was a motivation for the individuals going through the same pain and How Palliative Care supported them not only for their physical pain but also made sure they feel emotionally and psychologically supported . It was an interactive session between the Palliative team Patients and Caregiver.

At the end there was a Quiz Programme based on the myths and facts of Palliative Care among the audience and we were very delighted as we have succeeded to some extent that the message reached the audience very loud and clear .

We celebrated World Hospice and Palliative Care Day (WHPCD) 2022 by inviting few of our patients and caregivers to speak about their journey with pain and palliative department. It was a non academic session which was attended mainly by common public, oncology nurses and resident doctors of various specialities. Our hospital CEO, Dr. R. V. Prabhakar Rao; Chief of Medical Oncology, Dr. Senthil Rajappa, academic director, Dr. Kalpana Raghunath; senior radiation oncologists, Dr. Dileep and Dr. Tasneem spoke about the importance of palliative care to general public.

The on stage anchoring was done by our DNB residents Dr. Divya and Dr. Aakash. Junior Sindhura has given an on stage Kuchipudi dance performance to entertain the public. Overall the program was well received by patient attenders as it provided a direct channel for them to communicate their issues. We concluded the session by cake cutting and snacks distribution to the attenders.

World Hospice and Palliative Care Day is a unified day of action to celebrate and support hospice and palliative care around the world. On this occasion Cancer palliative care unit Department of Radiotherapy in KGMU Lucknow celeberated world hospice and palliative care day for cancer patients.

In the event an awareness programme through nukkad natak has been performed beside the Introduction and Importance of Cancer palliative care.

Also a basket of nutritive food items has been distributed to the admitted cancer patients.

What are the aims of World Hospice and Palliative Care Day?

To share our vision to increase the availability of hospice and palliative care creating opportunities.

To raise awareness and understanding of the needs medical, social, practical, spiritual of people living with a life limiting illness mostly (cancer disease) and their families

Palliative Care is from diagnosis, for children and adults and for all serious illness. choose your right to be pain free.help yourself and your family.get medical, social, psychological support. Help a friend and family member living with serious illness

To celebrate the World Hospice and Palliative Care, Dharamshila Rahat planned series of lectures on Primary Prevention and Territory Prevention of all the diseases which require Palliative Care, to increase the awareness of public about Cancer Prevention to Palliation. To Spread out the message Dharamshila Rahat Medical Centre also organized an musical event in Collaboration with CanSupport “Palliative Care Day: Healing Hearts & Communities – A Music Concert by renowned ghazal singer Dr Radhika Chopra on Sunday, October 9 at NCUI auditorium.”

Before stating the music session, Dr. Khanna, Director, Dharamshila Rahat Medical Centre shared the following information with the audience. “Some of you must be wanting to know what Palliative Care is. It is an approach that improves the quality of life of patients and their families, facing multiple problems associated with serious life threatening diseases.

Our focus shifts from disease to the patient without indulging in unnecessary ICU admissions, ventilators, investigations, procedures, drugs, and the side effects associated with them.

Our main objective is to relieve the intolerable Pain and other distressing symptoms of the patients, improve interpersonal relationships so that they can lead a comfortable and dignified life for decades.

The lecture was highly appreciated by the audience.

WARM GREETINGS FROM AMRIT DHARA PALLIATIVE CARE TRUST

World Hospice and Palliative Care Day was celebrated on 08.10.2022, Saturday by Amrit Dhara Palliative Care Trust [ADPCT}. On the day of the event a cyclathon was organized to spread the awareness about palliative care and WHPCD. About fifty cyclists participated in a 6.5 km cycling-stretch.

World Hospice and Palliative Care Day celebration was inaugurated at UPHC, (Urban Primary Health Centre] . People from health care professionals, NGOs cancer survivors, care givers, administrators, policy maker and media were present. There was a round table discussion on ROLE OF DIFFERENT GROUPS ON DELIVERY OF PALLIATIVE CARE SERVICES with participation from all groups and also audience active interaction.

Cancer survivors and bereaved family members shared their stories.

Had a QUIZ program on palliative care for the health care workers who are working at the grassroot levels.

The program concluded with a vote of thanks from one of the trustee of ADPCT.

The Pain and Palliative care unit, Department of Anesthesiology and critical care in association with Department of community medicine and family medicine celebrated the ‘world hospice and palliative care day’ 8 oct 2022.

The programme was started off with a role play on 7 oct 2022 organized in the OPD area which threw light on the palliative care provided by the hospital and home care team to the patients.

The rest of the ceremony was arranged in the skills lab of AIIMS Jodhpur where pamphlets on palliative care for public awareness were launched by Dr Kuldeep Singh-dean academics, AIIMS Jodhpur and Dr Pradeep Bhatia-HOD Anesthesiology and critical care, Dr Manoj Kamal, Dr Nikhil Kothari (deputy medical supt), Dr Swati Chhabra, Dr Bharat Paliwal, Dr Shrikant and Sister Hanife.

The launch of a short film on Palliative Care – written and directed by Dr Minhaj Akhter, was one of the highlights of the day. It was released by Dr Kuldeep Singh and Dr Pradeep Bhatia. Yoga and recreational activities were also organized for care giver after the main function. The function was inspiring and thought prvoking. Dr Bhargvi, Jyotirmay Dhenwal, Jagdish Prajapat, Meenu Yadav, Ramswroop, Arvind Sharma, Mansukh, Sharwan, Rekha, Priyanka, Ram Solanki, Divya and Dewanand acted very well in the movie and role play. All arrangements done by Dr Manoj Kamal (add. prof.), Dr Bharat Paliwal (add. prof.) and Jagdish (palliative nurse).

WHPCD was celebrated with involvement of stakeholders and administration at AIIMS Raipur, a CME was conducted with scientific and advocacy sessions, event was preceded with a workshop on handling difficult communication for Resident Doctors and nursing officers, total 80 participants were there , Honourable Director Prof Dr Nitin M Nagarkar delivered talk on COVID Journey of AIIMS Raipur and strategies for mitigation of challenges, he emphasised that palliative care integration is very important and has emerged as important aspect in handling COVID. Dr Bhawana Sirohi Director Balco Medical Center spoke about need of early integration of palliative medicine in cancer . Honourable Dean Prof Dr Alok C Agarwal delivered talk on The Agony of Amputation and role of Palliative Medicine. Dr Pradeep Chandrakar spoke about Pediatric Palliative Care and challenges in Chhattisgarh. Likewise other interesting scientific sessions were also delivered.
Dr Avinash Tiwari Presented about scope of service and report card of service in Palliative and Supportive Medicine unit of medical oncology.

Dr Amit Kumar incharge Medical Oncology put his perspective and experience on palliative care integration, Dr Preetam wasnik spoke about Sickle cell and palliative medicine integration, Dr Saroj spoke about Palliative care integration in Hematolymphoid malignancy. Dr Vinay Rathore emphasised on Renal Supportive Care.

Over 150 delegates were involved.