Published on: May 25, 2013

Such excellent news! Pallium India is happy to associate with Pallium Kulasekharam started by Dr P. K. Sukumaran Nair and colleagues in Kanyakumari District of Tamil Nadu. The opening ceremony was held in an auditorium, which after the event was converted to an outpatient clinic.

On the first day itself – 24th of May 2013 – we saw 14 patients:

• Three of the 14 with advanced cancer had pain of score 10 on a 0-10 scale.
• One was a destitute.
• The only medication being taken by two very poor patients was a multi-vitamin-mineral capsule prescribed by a doctor in their cancer hospital – one capsule costing Rs. 60 (Remember that poverty line in India is defined as an income below Rs. 28 per day)

To look on the bright side – what an enthusiastic group of volunteers! Dr Sukumaran Nair and Mr Namboodiri have got several voluntary organizations to join the initiative.