January 2023
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Dear Friends,
In 2022 the world continued to adapt itself to a new reality. Uncertainty that took seed in the preceding two years accompanied us all, like a constant low hum in the background. It called on us to innovate, pivot and cut new paths.
At the threshold of a brand new year, we look back on the year gone by, to reflect and give thanks.
Our team continued to work to holistically weave palliative care into the larger tapestry of health care, through our “Demonstrate, Educate, Facilitate” approach.
“Be the change you want to see in the world”
At our home base in Trivandrum, between January 1st and December 15th 2022 we provided 79,363 service interventions to 4662 individual patients, with additional support to their families.
We set up a brand new Hospital Management System and digitised all our medical records, enabling us to work smarter and with more efficiency.
The helpline that was launched as a response to the drastically cut access to palliative care during the first two waves of Covid, grew into a full-fledged Telehealth service through which we extended support to patients from 20 states and 2 Union Territories in 2022.
We expanded our Children’s Palliative Care Program. We now reach more children weekly through a half day out-patient clinic at our facility on Saturdays that complements the full day Thursday clinic at the Government Medical College Hospital. We are grateful to Dr. Gayatri Palat and her team at the Paediatric Department, MNJ Institute of Oncology & Regional Cancer Centre, Hyderabad that hosted our childrens palliative care team for a 5 day long observership.
Click here to continue reading about our highs and lows, ups and downs from 2022, in this summary prepared by Smriti Rana (Head – Strategic Programmes and Partnerships, Pallium India), with inputs from the entire team.
Pallium India turned 19 on December 15, 2022
19 years of providing holistic palliative care, and paving the path for a pain-free India.
We work to demonstrate, educate and facilitate the integration of palliative care into mainstream healthcare.
Our education and advocacy activities take us to different parts of the country and globe.
Here at our headquarters in Trivandrum, we strive to demonstrate what good Palliative Care looks like.
And it looks a lot like this picture.
This is our offering to you. These services are our offering to patients and families wherever they may be.
Join us as we enter our 20th year of service.
Walk with us, as we walk thousands home.
Pallium India’s 19th birthday celebrations
Pallium India celebrated its 19th birthday on December 16, 2022.
Mr Madhupal (Actor and Director) inaugurated the event. Also present were Mr Nagakumar (Beneficiary, Pallium India), Mr S M Vijayanand IAS and Mr T S Guruprasad (trustees, Pallium India), and Dr M R Rajagopal (Chairman, Pallium India).
Volunteers who have been with us for 5 or more years were honoured for their selfless service towards palliative care. The inauguration was followed by cultural programs.
The event was coordinated by Sharath, Devika and Sree Priya, and was streamed live on Pallium India’s Facebook page.
Click here to see photos from the event
Click here to see photos from the Christmas celebrations at Pallium India
‘Walk with the Weary’ New Edition now available
‘Walk with the Weary – Life Changing Lessons in Healthcare’ new edition published by Aleph Book Company, with a Foreword by Dr Shashi Tharoor MP, is a compilation of experiences from Dr M. R Rajagopal’s decades-long palliative care journey, walking with people suffering from life limiting illnesses, and lessons learned on how to befriend life until the very end, with compassionate care on one’s side.
In Walk with the Weary: Life-changing Lessons in Healthcare, Dr Rajagopal knits his own experiences as a doctor with stories of the unique lives of his many patients, asserting that medicine can bring comfort and security to those at their most vulnerable and provide them the opportunity to not only live healthy lives but to die with dignity. Read more.
Aleph Book Company: https://www.alephbookcompany.com/book/walk-with-the-weary-life-changing-lessons-in-healthcare/
Amazon IN: https://www.amazon.in/Walk-Weary-Dr-M-Rajagopal/dp/9393852448
Flipkart: https://www.flipkart.com/walk-with-the-weary/p/itm681283c8fd982
‘Tea with Dignitaries’ on International Day of Persons with Disabilities
“Why should people think of themselves as a person with a disability? Why can’t we talk about ourselves just as a person, without focusing on the disability?” was a question raised by Krishna while attending the “Tea with dignitaries” program conducted at Pallium India on December 3rd, 2022, International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
This opened questions and comments from the group. They shared how they were reminded of their disability every moment in life, either by the attitude of society or by the infrastructure (or the lack thereof).
Read more: https://palliumindia.org/2022/12/tea-with-dignitaries-idpwd
Pallium India represented at NVTG Conference Decolonising Global Health 2022
Pallium India was represented at the 2022 Decolonising Global Health Symposium on 24th November at Amsterdam. Jointly organised by NVTG (The Dutch Society for Tropical Medicine and International Health) and KCGH (Kenniscentrum Global Health), the symposium has addressed diverse themes related to equity and justice in global health and development each year since 2006.
Dr.Gopukrishnan Pillai’s abstract on the topic of “The Case for more culturally-sensitive Palliative Care in the Global South” was presented as an oral poster by Dr.Iniofon Inyang.
Read more: https://palliumindia.org/2022/12/pallium-india-nvtg-conference-global-health
Obituary: Prof Sreedevi Krishnan
Professor Sreedevi Krishnan, a supporter and dear friend of Pallium India, passed away in New York on December 20, 2022. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.
“In my field of palliative care, anywhere in the world, one gets to meet the most compassionate and genuine human beings. Prof Sreedevi Krishnan was one such,” writes Dr M. R Rajagopal, Chairman of Pallium India.
Read more: https://palliumindia.org/2022/12/obituary-sreedevi-krishnan
Singapore Diary – Lessons in paediatric palliative care and life
“We are leading Palliative care experts in adult palliative care. But when it comes to paediatric palliative care (PPC), we are in a budding stage. My vision is to establish PPC of international standards at TIPS (Pallium India’s Trivandrum Institute of Palliative Sciences). And to achieve that, we will have to dedicate 2 years and work on it.”
Dr Sangeetha Suresh, Senior Palliative care Physician at Pallium India writes about the unexpected opportunity to visit Singapore and be part of Elisabeth Kübler-Ross (EKR) Foundation‘s Fellowship in paediatrics.
Read more: https://palliumindia.org/2022/12/singapore-diary-sangeetha-suresh
New office bearers for IAPC (Kerala)
Kerala chapter is a particularly vibrant organ of Indian Association of Palliative Care (IAPC) and has most of the time been led by community activists rather than by professionals.
Meet the newly elected office bearers of IAPC (Kerala):
Pradeep Koottanad
President
Kareem Vazhakkad
Secretary
K. Ramakrishnan Nair
Treasurer
Kerala University of Health Sciences moves forward with inclusion of palliative care in MBBS curriculum, said Dr Mohanan Kunnummal, vice-chancellor
Dr M.R.Rajagopal delivered the keynote address at the 13th Foundation Day of the Kerala University of Health Sciences (KUHS) on December 7, 2022. Responding to his plea to include Palliative care in the curriculum of Medical Education, Dr Mohanan Kunnummal described an action plan that the University has already chalked out.
Read the report by The Hindu: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/physicians-should-have-a-kind-heart-along-with-competence/article66235550.ece
Patients and families from anywhere in India can call Pallium India’s Telehealth helpline. Health care professionals who need advice on palliative care or pain management can call our numbers.
The service is FREE and available in English, Hindi, Malayalam and Tamil.
Our lines are open from Monday to Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 4pm
Call: +91 964 588 4889 / +91 860 688 4889
In case of queries, please write to us: info@palliumindia.org
Pallium India maintains a state-wise directory of institutions offering palliative care services in India. The list includes palliative care providers from community-based organisations to tertiary care institutions and cancer care centers.
The directory covers critical information like contact details including phone numbers and email addresses, availability of In-patient, Out-patient and home care services, availability of morphine, etc.
If anyone you know needs palliative care support, our directory will help you find the centre closest to you. Do take a look at Pallium India’s Palliative Care Directory and let us know (Email: info@palliumindia.org or Contact us) if any centre near you is missing.
The power of nurses to impact policy: An imperative
Professor Julia Downing writes: “As nurses, we are catalysts for change, and as the largest profession within the health service we should have a strong voice, we are trusted bridge builders, we collaborate with others and we promote good health and well-being for all. However, at times our voice is not heard, we do not have ‘seats at the right tables’, and we are not able to impact policy, health service delivery, education and care. In order to strengthen our voice, and speak as one, we need to be involved in developing and impacting policy, at all levels and in all areas.”
Read more: https://blogs.bmj.com/ebn/2022/12/11/the-power-of-nurses-to-impact-policy-an-imperative/
Global report on health equity for persons with disabilities
An estimated 1.3 billion people – or 16% of global population worldwide – experience a significant disability today. Persons with disabilities have the right to the highest attainable standard of health as those without disabilities.
However, the WHO Global report on health equity for persons with disabilities demonstrates that while some progress has been made in recent years, the world is still far from realizing this right for many persons with disabilities who continue to die earlier, have poorer health, and experience more limitations in everyday functioning than others. These poor health outcomes are due to unfair conditions faced by persons with disabilities in all facets of life, including in the health system itself.
Countries have an obligation under international human rights law to address the health inequities faced by persons with disabilities. Furthermore, the Sustainable Development Goals and global health priorities will not progress without ensuring health for all.
Read more: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240063600
Sion hospital to start BMC’s first palliative care centre next month
Some of the prominent BMC (Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation) -run hospitals will soon start a palliative care centre with Lokmanya Tilak Municipal General Hospital at Sion leading the way.
The pilot project, in the form of an outpatient department, will open at Sion hospital in the first week of January, hospital dean Dr Mohan Joshi said. “We will provide the space while Cipla Foundation and Romila Palliative Care, which is run by NGO Sneha, will arrange the manpower. The centre will cater to both cancer and non-cancer patients.”
Walkathon on Universal Health Coverage Day
A Walkathon was organized by Pallium India on Dec 11, Sunday morning at 7a.m. to commemorate Universal Health Coverage Day (Dec 12, 2022).
The Walkathon began at Kowdiar Junction and proceeded till LMS and then back to Kowdiar Junction, covering a distance of 4kms. It was flagged off by Justice M R Hariharan Nair, Pallium India’s Legal Advisor.
How Palliative Care Made One Woman ‘Whole Again’
“The impact my healthcare provider has had on my NCD journey is unbelievable; and nothing short of a fairy tale. I feel whole again, doing meaningful work, having a life purpose.”
Read Ashla Rani ‘s story on Health Policy Watch: https://healthpolicy-watch.news/how-palliative-care-made-one-woman-whole-again/
Video of the Month
What is Palliative Care? What does Pallium India do?
Click here to watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZysYJy2X6zc
Subscribe to Pallium India’s youtube channel for videos related to palliative care and our activities. You can watch previous webinars and training sessions, as well as listen to caregivers, survivors and others sharing their experiences.
Follow us on Social Media for updates
Contact us: info@palliumindia.org / 97467 45497
Events / Courses / Conferences
Integration of Palliative Medicine in Primary Care
Is ‘quality of death’ the monopoly of palliative care professionals? Other healthcare professionals need not treat pain or other symptoms or psychosocial suffering?
Rather obviously, the answer is “very much otherwise“.
We are glad to note that the family medicine fraternity of the country is giving attention to integration of palliative care into family medicine.
Dr Rajagopal will be speaking on 15 January 2023 at the 7th Annual State conference of AFPI Kerala Chapter – AFPICON Kerala 2023
Theme of the conference: “Family Physicians on the Forefront – Ensuring Continuum of Care”
Venue: Hotel Hyacinth, Thiruvananthapuram
Know more: AFPICON Kerala 2023
January 4, 2023
January 9, 2023
January 10, 2023:
IAPCON 2023 Bengaluru
The 30th Annual International Conference (IAPCON 2023) of Indian Association of Palliative Care will be a physical conference held at Bengaluru, Karnataka, organized by Karunashraya.
Venue: NIMHANS Convention Centre, Bengaluru
Dates of event: 10-12 February, 2023
Pre-conference workshops: 9 February, 2023.
The theme of IAPCON 2023 is: ‘Metamorphosis: The emergence of Subspeciality Palliative Medicine’.
Please visit the conference website for further details.
Check out upcoming events: https://palliumindia.org/events
Queries? Contact: info@palliumindia.org
CAREERS / OPENINGS
Palliative Care Physician at Panha Lifecare, Mumbai
Consultant Geriatrician / Palliative Physician at Kadamapuzha Hospital, Kottayam
Administrative Assistant, Pallium India, Trivandrum
Paediatrician, Pallium India, Trivandrum.
Head – Research & Development, Pallium India, Trivandrum
For more openings, visit our CAREERS page:
https://palliumindia.org/category/career
In case of queries, please write to us: career@palliumindia.org
Click here to donate to Pallium India and lend a hand to our activities.
Donations from US can be made online on http://palliumindiausa.org/
For DOMESTIC Transfer:
Beneficiary: Pallium India Trust
Account No: 30086491915
State Bank of India
Branch: Pattom, Trivandrum
IFS Code: SBIN0003355
MICR No: 695002007
For FOREIGN donations:
Account Name: Pallium India Trust
Bank: State Bank of India (code: 00691)
Branch: Delhi
Account No: 40098265669
IFSC Code: SBIN0000691
SWIFT Code: SBININBB104
Queries? Write to info@palliumindia.org or call 97467 45504
After you make a donation, please write to us at donations@palliumindia.org for the receipt. Kindly provide your name, PAN number, contact number and address for us to issue the receipt.
Follow us for palliative care news, views and updates – as & when they happen
7-day residential camp
The annual National Service Scheme 7-day residential camp of VHSE (Vocational Higher Secondary Education) schools began on December 26, 2022. The camp state-wide implemented various social welfare projects. One of the ambitious social welfare projects was “SAMARPITHAM” which aimed at sensitizing young minds on palliative care and thereby motivating them to understand and address the problems of palliative care beneficiaries.
SAMARPITHAM was carried out with the support of Pallium India and IAPC Kerala Chapter across 338 schools across Kerala. Through the project, students were trained in the basics of palliative care and visited palliative care beneficiaries nearby their campsite. Statewide around 4 lakh students benefited from the project.
Pallium India was able to reach 26 VHSE schools in Thiruvananthapuram District.
Ms. S Leela Devi, former secretariat staff and now a full-time volunteer at Pallium India, was one of the palliative care trainers. She shared her experience: “the NSS Volunteers were very receptive and a majority of them expressed their desire to join as student volunteers in Palliative care.”
Mr Krishnaraj Nambiar, volunteer, Pallium India, said: “Had the privilege and satisfaction of leading a team of volunteers who took a couple of sessions on Palliative Care for the above students. Understandably, it was a challenge to attract and retain their whole-hearted attention as they were enjoying the residential camp with various activities and having a great time in the company of their fellow students away from their homes, similar to what our students felt during our 3 day “Kuttikkootam” program. Nevertheless, they did pay attention and respond to questions. As they were in NSS, they already had some exposure to social service and were sensitized to some extent and this helped them imbibe the lessons learnt from the above sessions on palliative care. They were a lovable lot and respectful of their teachers and elders. It was a pleasure to be teaching to these impressionable minds who we look upon as our future torch-bearers.”
SAHAYATRA
Sahayatra, Pallium India’s monthly print magazine in Malayalam, is meant for anyone interested in Palliative Care – patients, families, palliative care professionals, volunteers and well-wishers.
Yearly subscription rate for Sahayatra is ₹200. (Only ₹500 if you subscribe for three years.) However, we send Sahayatra free of cost to patients and their families.
To subscribe to Sahayatra monthly magazine, please send your complete postal address to info@palliumindia.org. Contact: 97467 45504
Read previous issues of Sahayatra online: https://palliumindia.org/sahayatra
PARTING SHOT
Christmas, the time of joy when “The angel brought ‘good tidings of great joy’ to the shepherds (Luke 2:10).
And the angels made themselves manifest right here in Trivandrum amidst us as a group of software professionals in Kochi (who wish to remain anonymous), who funded 150 cakes. They had decided that their Christmas celebration would be complete only when 134 of the people we care for, scattered all over Trivandrum district, also had something to celebrate with. These 134 families are reduced to near-starvation by disease and its treatment. They get a food kit every month. And now, thanks to these young people, a Christmas cake each.
The 16 remaining cakes went to in-patients in Pallium India and their families.
The angels also came as the students from National College, Ampalathara, who carried the cakes to 134 corners of Trivandrum.
Joy, indeed.
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