WHPCD celebrations: 2023

On the occasion of WHPCD on October 14th, the Department of Pain and Palliative Care at RGCIRC, Rohini, New Delhi, organized HOPE 2023 (HOspice and Palliative Care Event). Aligned with this year’s theme of “Compassionate Communities,” the event welcomed a diverse group of participants, including Abha workers, social workers, volunteers, as well as patients and caregivers, doctors and nurses.

Dr. Kinshuki Jain, the Head of the Department of Pain and Palliative Care, RGCIRC, emphasized the under-recognition and inadequate addressing of spiritual pain, underscoring its significance in a captivating session. The Guest of Honour, Prashant Mukund Das from ISKCON, provided profound insights into the management of spiritual pain. In addition, there were lectures on breast cancer, orthopedic cancers by eminent doctors from RGCIRC, free and paid home care services imparted by NGOs (Cansupport and Dnipcare) and private entities respectively.

The invitation for creative entries (art and creative writing) highlighting different aspects of cancer journey also received a heartening response. The cancer patients and their caregivers shared their personal journeys.

The audience of around 150 people lauded the interactive sessions and the comprehensive understanding of the holistic approach to patient care. HOPE 2023 created an environment for learning and also highlighted the importance of acknowledging and addressing spiritual pain in the comprehensive management of cancer care.

On October 14, the Department of Pain and Palliative Medicine, SCI celebrated World Hospice and Palliative Care Day with great enthusiasm.

One of the highlights of WHPCD celebration was the Reel Making Competition organised by the dept. The competition was held on the department’s Instagram page and featured a theme centered around palliative care. In total 14 groups participated in the competition. 1st prize of Rs.5000 was begged by Kristu College, Bengaluru. 2nd prize of Rs.3000 was begged by SCI, Guwahati & special prize of Rs.2000 which was for Most liked reel in the Instagram page was begged by Deepshika Foundation, Mirza.

A momentous event during the WHPCD celebration was the launch of the “Cape Care Foundation” by the HOD of Pain and Palliative Medicine. The foundation’s primary mission is to provide palliative care to all terminally ill patients. This initiative is a significant step towards ensuring that palliative care services are accessible to all those in need.

The Cape Care Foundation took the opportunity to recognize the outstanding work of Dr. Monica Sarma, who has made immense contributions to the field of palliative care in Guwahati and around. She was presented with the prestigious “Palliative Warrior Award” in recognition of her efforts in improving the lives of patients with life-limiting illnesses.

The celebration was a resounding success with reel making, NGO launch & Palliative Warrior Award all contributed to the event’s significance and impact.

Contributors to make this happen. We are in the initial phase of arousing awareness about this little known and practiced branch of medicine among the medical fraternity and the community in our region of North Bengal & Sikkim.

At Bai Jerbai Wadia Hospital for Children WHPCD-2023 was through Hatson4CPC sharing some moments with different caregivers…

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.

We are born one day we die one day. We lose our beloved one, may be a spouse, may be a sibling, may be parents, may be our child, may be our pet, may be our own dignity and so on. We grieve because we are attached to and love the person we miss forever. We pass through the journey of bereavement. Anxiety, depression, sorrow, suicidal thought, prick the heart leading to the health disaster. We are all different with different experiences. So sharing possess the power of healing. The bereaved person is relieved of pain of heavy stone pressing the heart when he/she shares pain, suffering and experience to another person.

Grief is everlasting but we should be positive in channeling our energies into Healthy Grieving with the smile on our face symbolising LOVE for self and Empathy for others in the same voyage. Palliative care doesn’t stop with the demise of the person, the Care continues to take care of the persons in bereavement.

I myself have been passing through bereavement which instigates me to organise such a program. I feel myself proud of receiving support from the members of the group PEARL of whom 4/5 families of SHANTIKUTIR Apartment have stood by me and led to a grand success of the program. Thanks Sohom Chakraborty for smooth technical handling. I apologise for any inconvenience faced by anybody present online.

We are blessed with the active participation of #KenRoss, ElisabethKüblerRoss Foundation , #JoanMarstonofPallChase. We are unfortunate as #WilkaR

World Hospice and Palliative Care Day 2023 was celebrated on 14th October by the Team Palliative Care, AIIMS, Deoghar with much zeal. Theme for this year’s event was ”Compassionate Communities: Together for Palliative Care”. The events were kicked off with the Executive Director Prof (Dr) Saurabh Varshney’s welcome address and Medical Superintendent and Dean Students welfare, Team lead PC emphasizing on the need for compassionate communities.

Advocacy Letter to the Governor of Jharkhand Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan in Hindi and English were shared. ED and MS soft launched the CSSP for empowering caregivers of palliative patients. We relayed messages from WHO Director General, President IAPC (Prof Sushma Bhatnagar) and former ED, APHN (Prof Rosalie Shaw) followed by a talk from faculty CFM on Community participation in Palliative Care.

This was followed by highlighting of the work done by Team Palliative care so far and outlining further plan of action and culminated with an engrossing case-based panel discussion with enthusiastic participation from faculty of Surgery, Orthopedics, Pulmonary medicine, Cardiology, Psychiatry, Pain Specialist and Nursing. We hope to carry on this exchange of knowledge and healthy discussions in real time in our daily endeavor to provide patient care!

The Department of Palliative Medicine celebrated the “World Hospice and Palliative Care Day 2023” on the 14th October 2023 at the Main Auditorium, College of Nursing, St. John’s campus, Bengaluru. For celebrating WHPCD by showing a Hollywood film named WIT which is directed by Mike Nichols, starring Oscar-winning Emma Thompson.

WHPCD 2023 is celebrated with a daylong programme in Dr B Barooah Cancer Institute, Guwahati. An “Awareness cum Compassionate Care” program for the inmates and staffs of Guwahati Central Jail was organized by the Department of Palliative Medicine of BBCI at 9am in Guwahati Central Jail. Dr Kabindra Bhagabati, In-charge and Medical Officer has delivered a talk on compassionate communities in palliative care. A team of doctors and health workers headed by Dr Abhigyan Sarma has cared for the terminally ill inmates of central jail Guwahati. Kalyan Choudhury, the jailor, offered heartful gratitude for the program and for taking care of the inmates.

Another program named “Compassionate Communities” involving the NGOs, Organizations, village committees, philanthropists, volunteers was also organized by the department at 11am in the Academic Hub of the Institute. Around 65 participants from different organizations and NGOs have expressed their willingness to work hand in hand with Palliative Medicine Department to enhance the community involvement in supportive care. Mr. Hari Prasad Borah, a volunteer from Mayang has been felicitated for his outstanding volunteerism in Palliative care for decades.

Dr. B.B. Borthakur, Director of Dr B Borooah Cancer Institute has emphasized on the community involvement for continuous and compassionate care of the cancer patients. On that day, “Fahmida Yasmin Rehman Memorial Cancer Trust” has sponsored the lunch for in-patients of the Institute.

World Hospice and Palliative Care Day (WHPCD), an annual unified day of action to celebrate and support hospice and palliative care around the world, was marked with great enthusiasm at AIIMS, New Delhi. This year’s theme, “Compassionate Communities – Together for Palliative Care,” brought to the forefront the vital role of compassion in healthcare.

The celebration was organized by the Department of Onco-Anesthesia and Palliative Medicine in collaboration with Delhi State Chapter of IAPC. The day’s highlight was a guest lecture delivered by Prof. Dr. Mohit Gupta on “The Role of Compassion in Healthcare”. He stressed that treating patients with empathy accelerates recovery and provides emotional solace to those facing health challenges.

In a move to spread awareness, the hospital organized public awareness lectures in the OPD. Adding an element of physical activity to the day, a spirited walkathon was organized, which symbolized the commitment to palliative care within the community. Prof. Sushma Bhatnagar, the chief of Dr. B.R.A IRCH expressed her gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of this memorable day.

“Compassionate communities play a pivotal role in delivering palliative care, and it’s heartening to see such dedication from both healthcare professionals and the community itself,” she said. Prof. Dr. Seema Mishra, President of Delhi State Chapter of IAPC, reaffirmed the profound impact of compassionate care on a patient’s journey towards healing.

At BHAGWAN MAHAVEER Cancer Hospital and Research Center we usually celebrate the theme over the whole month . We have so far run a slogan competition for all our staff, increased awareness by running an awareness PPT in all the outpatient monitors. We will be sensitizing nursing students in a Biyani college later this week. Our WALKATHON is on the 29th of October – to really involve the community of Jaipur.

The program ‘SAMVEDANA – SAHIYARI SAMBHAL’ was celebrated on the occasion of World hospice and palliative care day at Gujarat Cancer and Research Institute (GCRI), Ahmedabad on 14th October, 2023. This year’s theme for the program was “compassionate communities: together for care.” The program was inaugurated by Dr. Shashank Pandya, Director of GCRI, Ahmedabad by welcoming our guests, faculties of various cancer specialties, resident doctors, paramedical students, patients and their caregivers, cancer survivors, NGOs & Volunteers.

The program was celebrated by Resident Doctors, Faculties, supportive team under the guidance of the Head of the Department, Dr. Priti Sanghavi in the Auditorium along with the help of various NGOs (Sanjeevani, Life beyond cancer care Doctors for you and CANKIDs) affiliated with the institute.

Chief guest of our program was Dr. M. T. Bhatia, who was pioneer in establishing first pain society and starting Hospice center (currently, community oncology center, Vasna, Ahmedabad). He enlightened us with the problems he faced for morphine availability, overcome opioid-phobia among physicians and about his dream project – hospice center for palliative care patients.

Guests of honor were shri Divyesh Radia (secretory, Gujarat Cancer Society (GCS)] and shri Kaushik Patel (Secretory, GCS).

Palliative care heroes – behind the curtain like social worker, psychologists, dietician were appreciated with a small gift during the program.

Ten minutes Role Play was ab

Bangalore Hospice Trust – Karunashraya held a cultural celebration for patients, caregivers, and staff members in honor of World Hospice and Palliative Care Day 2023. A series of seminars on the topic of “Relieving Pain, Restoring Dignity: The Heart of Palliative Care” are also being held on Instagram live every Tuesday at 6 PM IST.

Golden Butterflies Children’s Palliative Care Foundation organized a Walkathon in observance of World Hospice & Palliative Care Day 2023 with the theme “Compassionate Communities – Together for Palliative Care” on October 15, 2023.

The event witnessed an enthusiastic participation of over 60 individuals, including students from Ethiraj Arts & Science College and Stella Maris College, IT sector professionals, members of the Lions Club – Guindy, Rotary Club, and the general public. Participants completed a walkathon covering a distance of over 3 kilometers, commencing at Olcott Memorial Matriculation Higher Secondary School and concluding at Elliots Beach, Chennai.

Dr. V. Raghunathan, the Director of Techno-Commercial Affairs at Dr. MGR University & Advanced Research Institute, graced the event as the Chief Guest. A special address from Dr. Revathy Raj, a Pediatric Hematologist at Apollo Hospitals also highlighted the occasion. Both speakers emphasized the significance of Palliative care and the provision of quality-of-life care to children and their families dealing with long-term illnesses.

The event not only successfully raised awareness but also fostered a spirit of compassion within the community. The foundation received invaluable support from the Commissioner of Police and the local team, which greatly contributed to the event’s success.

On October 14, 2023, Barpeta Cancer Centre, under the Assam Cancer Care Foundation, observed World Hospice and Palliative Care Day. The event gathered a diverse audience of over 60 attendees, including oncologists, specialist doctors, nurses, and individuals deeply interested in palliative care.

The program was graced by esteemed guests, including Prof. Dr. Ramen Talukdar, Principal-cum-chief superintendent of Barpeta Medical College, who presided as the chief guest, and Ms. Gilly Burn, Oncology & Palliative Care specialist nurse from UK, the chief presenter. Special invitees included Prof. Dr. Partha Pratim Baruah, Medical Superintendent of Barpeta Medical College, and Mr. Rontu Sangma, Regional coordinator of Eastern and Northeast region for Pallium India.

Dr. Nirmal Kumar Singha, with a warm welcome speech, set the tone for the event. However, the focal point of the day was the captivating speech delivered by Ms. Gilly Burn. Her speech resonated with the essence of providing the right kind of palliative care, emphasizing the importance of empathy, compassion, and dignity in the final stages of life. In a heartwarming gesture, Burn distributed fruits to all the patients of the hospital. This act of kindness symbolized the core principles of palliative care – a holistic approach to improve the quality of life for patients facing life-limiting illnesses.

It was a day of reflection and inspiration, reaffirming the commitment to ensuring palliative care for every individual.

ADPCT celebrated WHPCD by organizing a Rally in the morning and human chain formation with volunteers from different NGOS and trainee police personnel. The program was flagged off by the Commissioner of Police. The community care vehicle was launched. A street play was performed by the staff of Amrit Dhara. Later in the day, a scientific session on the theme was organized where leading personalities from different sectors of the society were present.

Recent launching of palliative care service by Amrit Dhara in collaboration with another NGO at Sundergarh was also discussed. CDMO of Sundergarh was present in the meeting too. The program highlighted the journey of Amrit Dhara and a note from the bereaved .

The Department of Palliative Medicine celebrated the “World Hospice and Palliative Care Day 2023” on 11th Oct 2023 at the Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi. The program was graced by Dr D S Rana, Dr Ajay Swaroop, Dr S P Byotra, Dr A K Bhalla and Dr Jayashree Sood. Dr Gowri Nambiar Sengupta, Deputy Director General Health and Family Welfare was the Guest of Honour.

Dr Bimla Sharma, Head of Department, Palliative Medicine welcomed everyone to the event. The program was attended by more than 100 delegates with representation from hospital trustees and management, administration, consultants from different specialties, postgraduate medical students, nursing officers, volunteers and social workers. The scientific program had lectures and panel discussions which were delivered by National and International faculties.

This was followed by Prize distribution for the winners who participated in various competitions organized by the department. The students from Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Medical Sciences, RML Hospital presented a skit on the theme Awareness of Palliative Care in the community.

The scientific program was as follows:

Lectures
o Management of Cancer Pain by Dr Seema Mishra
o Role of Palliative Care in Parkinsonism by Dr Rajinder Dhamija
o Implementation of advanced directive for common public by Dr Dhvani Mehta
o Importance of Communication by M/s Gilly Burn
o Nursing perspective in providing Compassionate Care by M/s Hanife

Panel Discussions

On the eve of WHPCD, which is celebrated annually on 2nd Saturday of October[ 14/10/23],
an awareness programme on “Palliative Care” was held by Tata Cancer Care Foundation [SRI VENKATESWARA INSTITUTE OF CANCER CARE & ADVANCED RESEARCH, SVICCAR] at Padmavathi Mahila University Campus, Dhruthi Auditorium, Tirupati, chaired by VC, Dr. Bharati, Registrar, Dr. Rajani and professors on 13/10/23.

The significance of Palliative Care, associated myths and the involvement of Compassionate communities being emphasized and reached out to the students, staff and public. Highlighted that Palliative Care is an amalgam of ‘Compassion + Practical Wisdom’. The role of communities and need of such Compassionate comfort care possible only by means of awareness and accessibility.

OPD and IPD Palliative Care Services with dedicated Department has been started in SVICCAR with an aim to introduce the Palliative Care in the early phase of treatment Trajectory to enhance Quality of Life of patients and ease the care giver burden. The vision to expand the ecosystem is a long way ahead and striving hard for optimization of care in all health domains.

14 October 2023 the World Hospice and Palliative Care Day, was celebrated by Max Hospital (Division of Pain and Palliative Medicine) with the Senior Citizen Club D Block Saket New Delhi.

The meeting was attended by around 50 senior citizens together with Dr. Gaurav Chanana and his team including DNB trainees Dr. Pooja Dutta, Dr. Tousheef and Ms Madhu Juneja ( Volunteer, Counselor).

Dr Gaurav Chanana introduced the concept of World Hospice and Palliative Care Day and also spoke about the theme for 2023 “Compassionate Communities- Together for Palliative Care”.

He did introduce Palliative Medicine and created awareness on it , and what it encompasses and other related terms like Hospice care, Supportive care and End of life care. The audience were quite receptive and understood the Care which starts with diagnosis and focuses on well-being of patients families and were curious especially about the Advance Care Directives/ Living Will that was quite well addressed by Dr. Chanana.

Ms Madhu Juneja did share her journey as a patient, a caregiver, a volunteer and also as a Counsellor.

At the end he introduced IAPC certificate course for Volunteering in Palliative Care and also invited interest for opportunities of Volunteering in Max Palliative Care.

Sanjeevani Cancer Care Foundation organized Awareness Event on World Palliative Care Day.

On the occasion of World Hospice and Palliative Care Day on Saturday, 14 October, awareness initiative was organized by Sanjeevani Cancer Care Foundation with the aim of creating awareness on palliative care. In which doctors and cancer experts from different hospitals of the state were present.

In this program, founder of Sanjeevani Cancer Care Foundation Dr. Yousuf Memon, Pain and Palliative Care Specialist Dr. Avinash Tiwari, Hematology and Hemato-Oncology Specialist Dr. Vikas Goyal, Senior Cancer Surgeon Dr. Arpan Chaturmohta, Senior Cancer Surgeon Dr. Diwakar Pandey, Chemotherapy Specialist. Dr Aniket Thoke, Medical Oncologist Dr Rakesh Mishra, Senior Pain Relief Specialist Dr Hiten Mistry were present.

On this occasion, Dr. Avinash Tiwari, Consultant, Department of Pain and Palliative Medicine, Sanjeevani Cancer Hospital, who is the only MD doctor of Palliative Medicine in the state and has previously served in institutions like Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai and AIIMS, spoke about palliative care and Shared information about pain and other problems related to cancer, and told that there are misconceptions about palliative care among patients and doctors, due to which patients are not able to reach palliative care specialists regarding problems related to chronic diseases like cancer. If palliative care is chosen along with cancer treatment, the quality of life of such patients

Palliative Care celebrated at GMC Jammu.

Palliative and Hospice Care Day was celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm at GMC , Jammu . The function was attended by plethora of faculty members, residents, and nursing staff. The Principal, GMC, Jammu was the chief guest and he himself a radiation oncologist and well versed in palliative care, he is the main pillar for establishing palliative care services in Gmc jammu. Dr Anju Jamwal, Professor and Head Deptt. of anesthesia, ICU and pain medicine presided over the function. She elaborated the achievements of palliative care team of GMC, Jammu. CME was conducted at this occasion where many lectures were delivered by eminent faculty members.

This academic feast was organized by Professor Rajesh Mahajan, intervention pain and palliative care specialist at GMC, Jammu. Faculty members, namely Dr Anita vig, Dr Madan Katoch , Dr Ashwani Kumar , Dr Anjali Mehta , Dr Renu wakhloo and Dr Naine Bhadrala participated in the function and delivered lectures . Other faculty members from the other Depts. Including Dept. of Anesthesia, Pharmacology, Surgery, Medicine, Oncology, Radiotherapy, Medical Suptt, Deputy Medical Suptt., Matron of GMC Jammu and Paramedical Staff attended the CME.

The team from Military Hospital also attended the function with their commanding officer. The Principal GMC, Jammu extended his full support for development and lauded the efforts and care by the department.

Students Initiative In Palliative Care (SIP) under the guidance of Pain and Palliative Care Society, Thrissur (PPCS), took the responsibility to celebrate the world hospice and palliative care day on 14th October 2023, theme was
“Compassionate Communities together for Palliative care”. Our tagline for the event was “voices of SIP”.

Students performed a flash mob at multiple destinations highlighting the theme like a curtain raiser on October 5th. Author Shri Shoukath, and Dr. E. Divakaran the Director of Institute of Palliative care joined the Theme discussion with students. From 12 colleges above 400 students participated in the conference organised by SIP. Delegates and students exchanged experiences related to the theme.It was really heart touching and thought provoking. Homecare experiences students got from PPCS, helped them to understand the true essence of compassionate communities. Stick notes were provided for the students to write their take home messages.

The day also consisted of different cultural events by students such as Theme Dance, Mashup Song, Nadan Pattu, Music Concert, made the occasion vibrant tapestry that weaved together the diverse talents and backgrounds of the students. Together SIP is moving for a cause are well backed and guided by our parent organisation “PPCS” giving us the opportunities to explore what palliative care is and what are our responsibilities.

Our beloved Director Dr Shrikant Sir inaugurated the function of World Palliative Care Day at Kavaratti. He also honoured Hameed for his contribution to the funeral service and Noorjahan for her service to his totally disabled son.

This occasion also witnessed distribution of physical aids to palliative care patients. Dr Salih Komalam, Dr Naushida and Dr Nishad Khan led the sessions on quality of life, communication etc. The program was attended by community members who are compassionate enough to support the palliative care patients as well as other patients.

All ASHA workers also participated. Mr Ahammed Khafi & Mr Mohammed Kasim, Nursing Supervisors and also National Florence Nightingale Awardees particularly in the field of Palliative Care also enlightened the participants.

Mr Moulana who is the pioneer of palliative care in Lakshadweep expressed his gratitude for implementing National Program in Lakshadweep.

World Hospice and Palliative Care Day (WHPCD) 2023 was celebrated today at Government Hospital Gandhi Nagar on the 14th of October. This year’s theme is Compassionate Communities: Together for Palliative Care. WHPCD is an annual unified day of action to celebrate and support hospice and palliative care around the world.

The Director health services Dr Rajiv Sharma was the Chief guest at the occasion along with DR Harbaksh Singh CMO Jammu. The event was organised under the supervision of DR Parveen Yograj Medical Superintendent Government hospital Gandhinagar Jammu. The day was celebrated with a seminar on the need of Palliative and Hospice care in patients suffering from the terminal diseases.

The Programme was attended by the doctors Paramedics, attendants of the patients and the patients suffering from the terminal diseases. Attendants of these patient and the patients under palliative care narrated about their journey and the impact in management through Palliative Care at Govt hospital Gandhinagar Jammu.

They all appreciated the efforts of Government of Jammu and Kashmir, Department of Health and Family welfare J and K and Directorate of Health services Jammu for starting these services at Govt hospital Gandhinagar Jammu. It was the seminar full emotions and empathy. Dr Rajiv Sharma Director Health services Jammu apprised the gathering about starting similar services in all the district hospitals. Dr Harbaksh Singh CMO Jammu focused on the need of empathy .

The Department of Pain and Palliative Care, Basavatarakam Indo-American Cancer Hospital and Research Institute hosted the celebration of World Hospice and Palliative Care Day on October 14, 2023. Keeping in mind, this year’s theme, the department invited patients and family members of deceased patients to grace the occasion and share their experiences of the palliative care services that they had received from the department. The event garnered an audience of 150 people.

The event also included illuminating speeches by Dr. R. V. Prabhakar Rao (CEO), Dr. T. Subramanyeshwar Rao (Medical Director), Dr. Santa and Dr. Krishna Mohan (Senior Medical Oncologists) who talked about the need to increase awareness about palliative care in grass root level. Dr. Nikhil (HOD – Physiotherapy) talked about the importance of a multi-disciplinary approach towards patient care in a palliative setting. Dr. Basanth Kumar Rayani (HOD, Onco-Anaesthesia and Pain and Palliative Care) spoke about the journey of the department and shed light on the need for increased volunteering system to spread awareness on Palliative care throughout the state, taking the Kerala model as an example.

The event was concluded with the Vote of Thanks offered by Dr. Praneeth Suvvari and Dr. Praveen Kumar Kodisharapu (Consultants, Pain and Palliative Care). The occasion was orchestrated with the help of the entire department including two consultants, six resident doctors, a social worker, a psychologist and the nursing staff.

World Hospice and Palliative Care Day, celebrated on the 2nd Saturday of October each year, is an occasion to recognize and champion the vital role of palliative care in improving the quality of life for patients facing serious illnesses.

This year, let us shine a light on the concept of compassionate communities in palliative care, an approach that underscores the significance of collective support, empathy, and care beyond clinical settings. Compassionate communities are those in which people actively work together to improve the quality of life for those living with a life-limiting illness and their families.

These communities seek to foster empathy, understanding, and a sense of belonging among individuals facing illness, loss, and grief. They go beyond traditional healthcare settings and recognize that palliative care is a shared responsibility that should be woven into the fabric of society.

We celebrated this day in collaboration with ‘make a wish’ foundation team with the paediatric palliative patients.The celebration included wish granting, magic show, tattooing and performances by kids. The team presented role play on “Communication skills” and enlightened the audience on introduction to PC and Compassion whereas the Dignitaries addressed the audience with gratitude and empathy.

Team members – Dr Somnath, Dr Kunal, Dr Pallavi, Dr Apurva, Dr Sukriti, Prashant, Hansraj, Vijaylakshmi, Jomiya, Yogita, Devisharan, IT team, MTS & MSW staff at MPMMCC & HBCH Varanasi.

The poster competition and public awareness program were organized by the palliative care team with the Department of Anaesthesiology and critical care, Dr S N Medical College, Jodhpur (Rajasthan). The poster competition theme was Compassionate Communities: Together for Palliative Care.

This event was addressed by Medical Superintendent Sir Dr Vikas Rajpurohit and congratulated all the participants. The posters were evaluated by senior professors Dr. Sarita Janweja, Dr. Shobha Ujwal and Dr Rakesh Karnawat, and appreciated all the participants.

The Public awareness program was conducted by Dr. Geeta Singariya, Dr. Chanda Khatri, Mamta Parihar and Chetan Kumar. They emphasized the need for compassionate communities and the delivery of palliative care for patients suffering from chronic incurable diseases.

During this session, the patients and their caregivers were asked about their problems, feelings, mental stage and difficulties faced by them after diagnosis and treatment.

The Department of Anaesthesia, Pain and Palliative Care at the Cancer Institute (WIA), Adyar, hosted a CME program on October 13, 2023, to celebrate World Hospice and Palliative Care Day. The event was held at Mahaveer Ashray, Sriperumbudur, the Hospice unit of the Cancer Institute with the theme “Caring beyond cure: A Journey through Palliative Care.”

This successful event welcomed approximately 50 participants from a diverse range of healthcare professionals, including oncologists, nurses, social workers, counsellors, and physiotherapists from Government hospitals Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu and Kancheepuram. The CME program featured academic and interactive sessions, networking opportunities, and inspiring stories related to palliative care.

The program aimed to raise awareness, promote collaboration, and encourage a holistic approach to managing cancer patients. The enthusiastic participation of the healthcare professionals exemplified the theme for this year – “Compassionate Communities Together for Palliative Care”.

The Cancer Institute (WIA), Adyar, expresses their gratitude to all participants and looks forward to continued efforts to improve palliative care, fostering a network of professionals dedicated to this cause.

For more information or collaboration opportunities, please contact ppcadyar@gmail.com.

World Hospice and Palliative Care Day was celebrated on 14 October. The public awareness program was organized by pain and palliative care team of AIIMS Jodhpur, Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care and Department of Community and Family Medicine.

What is palliative care, To whom it can be given, How it can be given, and How to enroll in home based palliative care, Care giver training were showed through skit program in OPD area of AIIMS Jodhpur. Dr. Rashi Sankhla, Dr. Rhythm Mathur, Dr. Aradhana Shukla, Dr. Ajay Moudgil, Meenu Yadav (NO), Rekha Gehlot (PCN), Mansukh Bhati (PCN), Mansi Prajapat (social worker) and Devanand (O/A ) played roles in the drama and the drama and program was coordinated by Jagdish Prajapat (SNO).

Dr. Pradeep Bhatia, Head of the Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care, emphasized that home is considered the most suitable place for the care of such patients. Dr. Manoj Kamal highlighted about palliative care service at patients door step, unique program run with support of Cipla Foundation.

Dr. Shrikant Srinivasa, Community Medicine, emphasized the need of common people in delivering of palliative care for patients suffering from chronic uncurable diseases.

Dr. Bharat Paliwal told how all the Departments can take maximum benefit of palliative care facilities with mutual coordination.

This event was graced by faculty member of various other departments like Radiation Oncology, Surgical Oncology, Medical Oncology and General Surgery.

Compassionate communities… together for Palliative care.

World Hospice day was celebrated at Kosish in an unique manner by inviting & feeding the travelling ‘Sadhus’ & singing minstrels called ‘Bauls’ who remain immersed in divinity by singing songs in praise of the Lord & the ways of life… spirituality is verily explained through their songs about life, suffering & meaning making.

Hence, in the local cultural context, these were the most appropriate example of how a compassionate community should be formed.

World Hospice and Palliative Care Day was celebrated at Mahavir Cancer Sansthan and Research Centre, Patna, Bihar. A CME was organised focused on integration of palliative care in oncological care. It was attended by many doctors and nurses from AIIMS Patna, IGIMS Patna, NMCH and PMCH Patna, apart from MCSRC.

The guest speaker was Dr. Umesh Bhadani, Dean of AIIMS Patna who talked about the role of interventional pain management. The CME comprised of talks by eminent speakers about integration of palliative care in surgery, radiation oncology, medical oncology and palliative care emergencies.

Case based panel discussion was done on metastatic breast cancer and inoperable head-neck cancer with issues related to malignant fungating ulcer, intractable pain, malnutrition, carotid blow out, importance of prognostication in cancer trajectory and end of life care.

It was concluded by Director Dr. B. Sanyal with the take-home message of the need for interdisciplinary meetings for holistic approach for patient care with compassion.

Delivered a Talk Show on the occasion of WHPCA for the awareness and Spread of Palliative Care to the general public.

Dr Arun Deka talked about how modern Palliative Care was introduced to the world and to India and its importance for the care of the needy people.

Dr Dipankar Dakua talked about how a patient is cared in all the 4 aspects of Pain (physical, psychological, social and spiritual) and that the patient and the family members are are considered as one unit and cared for both of them in a wholistic manner.

The program was broadcast for about an hour in the local channel in Assam.

Today on 14/10/2023, World Hospice and Palliative Care Day was celebrated at VMMC & Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi as a Public Awareness Program. Dr Vandana Talwar MS emphasized the importance of compassionate community for better quality of life of non curative conditions. Dr Geetika Khanna, Principal, addressed the gathering & implored everyone to take a pledge today to celebrate palliative care, showing the world how vital it is,& why we must make sure everyone has access, no matter what they do and where they live, what their age or background is.

Palliative Care Team, Dr Saveena G Raheja, Dr Madhu Dayal, Dr Deepa K Khurana, Dr Dimple Pande shared their patients testimonial in form of video recordings. There was Nukad-Natak done by Undergraduate Medical Students. Sixth St. Ignatius Competition was held in form painting, prizes were given for best enteries. The programme was attended well by General Public, Medical Students, Residents, Nursing Officers, Senior Consultants, Additional MS, Principal VMMC, Medical Superintendent Safdarjung Hospital.

World Hospice and Palliative Care Day 2023 at HBCHRC, Visakhapatnam – 14th October 2023.

A CME on Courage to Care – Principles of Serious Health Related Communication and Compassionate End of Life Care was conducted at HBCHRC, Visakhapatnam. The morning session extended way beyond time with the enthusiastic participation of the teams in all the break-out rooms, intense role plays and discussions.

The afternoon session included sessions on Compassionate End of Life Care provision followed by a few minutes of reflection and remembrance for our patients and caregivers. A video was made to commemorate this occasion. A few caregivers joined us for tea and the CME concluded with planting saplings in the memory of our patients.

Our faculty included Dr Sravani, Dr Sirisharya and Dr Kanchana from the Age Care Foundation hospice in Visakhapatnam and Dr Raviteja, Dr Dolorosa Fernandes, Dr Neeharika, Priyanshu, Alisha and Dr Vidya Viswanath from HBCHRC. It was teamwork all the way with support from the Director of HBCHRC, the hospital CRS team – Dr Pankaj and Dr Shiva and everyone of the faculty and staff.

The message of the day was that Courage to Care starts with one empathetic response…

“Today has been a wonderful day in my life as I have learnt something very beautiful, not just as a doctor but also as a human. It showed me what kindness and empathy actually meant” …from one of our participants!

World Hospice and Palliative care day was observed at Malabar Cancer Centre on 14th October 2023 with lot of enthusiasm from the staff and nursing students. An awareness class for community volunteers was jointly organised by the Department of Cancer Palliative Medicine and the Department of Community Oncology supported by Pannyanoor block panchayat members and our nursing students. The program was held at Panoor block panchayat hall, Thazhe Chambad. Around 50 community volunteers participated in the program.

The program began at 10 am with the inauguration by Pannyanoor Panchayat President, Mr. Ashokan. A session on “Palliative care: A social responsibility” was taken by Dr. M. S. Biji, in-charge, Cancer Palliative Medicine department of MCC. This was followed by a session on “How to care a bedridden patient?” was taken by Mrs. Sheeja Nellikka, Palliative Nurse, MCC. The community volunteers actively participated in the discussions. They suggested many more similar sessions to be taken periodically to update their knowledge. The program came to an end at 1.00pm.

Athulya Senior Care is proud to partner with and participate in the Palliative Care Walkathon 2023, organised by Rotary International District – 3232.

The Walkathon, themed “Comfort for Dignity Life: Step by Step, Together We Care,” took place on 14th October 2023 in the early hours of the morning from 5:30 am to 7:30 am.

Palliative care is a crucial aspect of providing comfort, dignity, and peace during the last stages of life for seniors. Athulya Senior Care aims to create hope in the world by actively contributing to this noble cause. The participating nurses not only walked the path but also shared valuable insights about palliative care and its significance in providing a peaceful and dignified life for seniors.

“Athulya Senior Care is honoured to be a part of the Palliative Care Walkathon 2023, and we are committed to spreading awareness about the importance of palliative care,” said Mr. Srinivasan G, Founder & CEO , Athulya Senior Care.

The event aimed to unite communities, caregivers, and individuals in the common goal of enhancing the quality of life for seniors.

Athulya believes that the palliative care program aligns with their mission to provide person-centred care to the residents. This program not only elevates the level of support and services but also contributes to the overall reputation and success of our facility. We all need to step forward together, raising awareness and creating a world where seniors can experience their last moments with peace

The theme for World Hospice and Palliative Care Day for 2023 is “Compassionate Communities: Together for Palliative Care.”

Towards this, the Department of Palliative Medicine, Christian Medical College Vellore conducted awareness programs for high school students of four schools in Vellore. Palliative care was a new concept to the school children and they actively listened.

During the discussion time, there was active participation and engagement by the school students. Many students even volunteered to identify and help the people with palliative care needs in their neighbourhood. It was heartening to see such compassion and motivation from the younger generation and we believe these are seeds sown to promote compassionate community participation.

Palliative care, in its true sense, should transcend the boundaries of the hospital and address various aspects of the lives of our patients and their families. Often, disease or death of the bread winner leaves a family struggling. The Department of Palliative Medicine tries to identify and help such families by providing monthly ration, supporting children’s education and empowering the bereaved family to be self-sufficient.

This month specially, the support group had a program reinforcing the different components of palliative care provision and how each one could advocate palliative care for those in need and become compassionate communities.

Pain Relief and Palliative Care Society completed it’s 15 years of its establishment and 10 years of its journey in starting 30 bed hospice facility. PRPCS is celebrating this year’s World Hospice and Palliative Care at Hotel Green park by thanking all the donors both institutional and individuals and by falicitaitng the entire staff of the organization by expressing the gratitude and wholehearted thanks to each one of them for which PRPCS would not have achieved so much.

Pain Relief and Palliative Care Society is one of the largest Palliative care service providers in the country which has 30 bed hospice ( 20 adults and 10 children) home care program with 11 mobile vans and an exclusive pediatric Palliative care programs in Mnj govt cancer hospital and Niloufer childrens hospital. All the devices provided by the organisation are entirely free of cost. Adding to the palliative care programs in Telangana State, PRPCS supports 10 bed palliative care unit in Kurnool GGH, and 10 bed Palliative care unit and 2 home care vans in Puttaparthi in Andhra Pradesh.

An article has come out in Times of India on 11-10-2023 with the above title which was beautifully penned down by our consultant Dr. C. Vaijayanthi. She has narrated the importance for palliative care in the recent times and also expressed the need for it to be included in the MBBS curriculum. The article speaks about the lack of knowledge in the society about ‘Advance Medical Directive’.

In recognition of World Palliative and Hospice Day 2023, Cancare Foundation, Madras Cancer Care Foundation, and Cancer Research and Relief Fund organized a CME Program to honor Palliative Team members. The event, led by the Department of Psycho-oncology, occurred on October 7, 2023, in Chennai.

Dr. S.G. Ramanan, the Chief Medical Oncologist, presented “Where Are We Now?”—an exploration of Palliative Care in India, stressing its growing importance and hospice services’ rise.

Guest Speaker Dr. N. Viswananthan, a Consultant Anaesthesiologist, discussed pain management’s psychological and biological aspects in “Mind and Morphine,” highlighting Quality of Life.

Dr. Shafika Banoo, a Palliative Medicine Consultant, covered Advance Care Planning and relevant laws in “Before It’s Late.”

Palliative Care Nurses, known as “Cicely’s Thoughts,” were led by Dr. Devasena, organized by Mr. Dhayanandan and Ms. Janani Ravi, from the psycho-oncology team.

The Chennai School of Music Therapy’s team, including staff and interns, contributed a touching song to honor palliative services and team members.

This gathering acknowledged the tireless efforts to enhance life quality and provide a peaceful end. The Department of Oncology extends warm Hospice Day greetings to these Palliative Superheroes offering comfort and solace.

On Tuesday, 3 October 2023, CanSupport held a music concert by Padma Shri awarded Shubha Mudgal to celebrate World Hospice & Palliative Care Day at Baha’I House of Worship.

The concert was attended by more than 450 people that included representatives from corporates, distinguished citizens from different fields, students and medical professionals and 40 cancer patients in our care.

Harmala Gupta, Founder-President of CanSupport thanked the audience and supporters for being associated with CanSupport.

The Chief Guest at the event was Dr Vinod Kumar Paul, a member of NITI Aayog where he leads the Health, Nutrition and HRD verticals. In his address he congratulated CanSupport for its brilliant work over the last 27 years and said that the way forward is to truly make palliative care part and parcel of our public health care system, which will ride on comprehensive palliative care system paradigm built on health care centres.

A special Souvenir and CanSupport’s latest publication, a book titled ‘Guidelines for Home Based Palliative Care & Outpatient Palliative Care Teams’ were also released at the event.

The event was a huge success and lived up to the theme of Compassionate Communities: Together for Palliative Care by bringing people of the community together in support of palliative care.