August 2023
Click here to subscribe to our newsletter
Two new trustees join Pallium India’s board of trustees
We are delighted to welcome Dr Vandana Gopikumar & Dr Rajam Iyer as Pallium India’s new trustees.
Dr Vandana Gopikumar PhD
Dr Vandana Gopikumar, co-founder of The Banyan, is a visionary advocate for homeless individuals with mental health issues. Since 1993, she has pioneered an inclusive approach to institutional care and created innovative models for those in need.
Vandana mentors a second line that leads both The Banyan and BALM, offering strategic direction and clinical expertise. Recognized internationally, she has received prestigious awards, including the Renfield Foundation Award for Women’s Health and the WHO Public Health Champion Award. Vandana has developed three critical models of care for persons from ultra vulnerable communities that have been adopted by various stakeholders in India and in two other LMICs. Through the Other Identity Foundation, she amplifies marginalized voices and fosters dialogue on mental health and human rights.
In her spare time, Vandana finds inspiration in her dogs, movies, writing, and reflecting. Her dedication as a trustee of BALM continues to shape the organization’s transformative impact in mental health and social empowerment.
Dr Rajam Iyer
Dr. Rajam Iyer is a Consultant Pulmonologist and palliative care physician at Bhatia and Hinduja Hospital, Mumbai.
With a Masters in Respiratory Medicine, Dr Rajam’s experience includes 28 years of clinical work both in India and international settings.
She is an MD: Pulmonary Medicine: Bombay University-1995, MRCP (UK) 2006. She has a fellowship in Palliative Medicine from IPM- Calicut-2018 and a PG Diploma in Palliative Medicine from Cardiff University, UK.
Only 4 percent of Indian Population has Access to Palliative Care
In this eye-opening interview, done as part of The AIDEM’s MedTalk, Dr. M R Rajagopal, Chairman Emeritus of Pallium India, talks to renowned public health expert, Dr. S S Lal, about the crucial areas that we neglect in the caregiving ecosystem, both in India and Kerala.
Click here to read the full interview transcript in English
Click here to listen to the original interview in Malayalam
Announcing a new course in Palliative Medicine, for Doctors: ₹2000 OFF for the first 25 registrations
Integrated Basic and Advanced Course in Palliative Medicine (ICPM) – A Comprehensive Online Course for Healthcare Professionals
Know more about the course structure & register: https://palliumindia.org/2023/07/ipcm-aug14
In case of queries, please contact: +91 90726 20041 or tipsecho@palliumindia.org
A palliative care course for Doctors & Nurses that can be learned as per convenience
‘Essentials of Palliative Care – India (EPCI)‘ – a course designed to help you learn at your convenience. You have 4 months to complete the course.
Join the course: https://palliumindia.org/essentials-of-palliative-care-india
Contact: learnersupport@palliumindia.org / + 91 85890 21637
Feedback about our courses:
“These modules helped me to understand how to manage pain effectively, with all the aspects covered regarding the types and their treatment. It helped me to learn the morphine dosing. It helped me to learn about other symptoms associated, and how to effectively manage them, so that the patient can lead a good quality of life. It helped me to learn about how to communicate with the patient and their relatives regarding their disease and the best ways to answer their queries. It helped me to learn about futile interventions that are done at the end of life.” – Dr Anbin Thomas M Boban, MBBS, Coimbatore
“I specially loved the communication skills module a lot. Dementia modules are so well planned and step by step learnt so much. A great experience – thank you so much.” – Dr. Smita Taneja, MBBS, MD, Community Health, Palliative Care Physician, CanSupport, Delhi
Follow Pallium India on Social Media
Video of the Month
We will not let go of your hand
If we put together a series of stories called “palliative care at its best”, we are sure this would be among those on the top of the list.
The person recovering from a stroke is depressed and the whole team sit down and sing for him. One of the lines translates to “we will not let go of your hand”.
The lady in blue is Dr. Ashita who leads the palliative care team in Chinchwada Christian Mission Hospital, Maharashtra, a unit of Emanuel hospital association. The non-government organisation, KeSHAV (Karuna evam Shanti Vahini – founded in the revered memory of the late Shri Keshav Desiraju) founded by Ms Sonalini Mirchandani has initiated the palliative care service in this remote neglected village, and Dr Ashita is providing the medical support.
All strength to your hands, Sonalini, Ashita and teams.
Click here to watch: https://palliumindia.org/2023/07/we-will-not-let-go-of-your-hand
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.
Congratulations to Dr M R Rajagopal, who received honorary doctorate from Nobel Laureate Shri Kailash Satyarthi in the 16th convocation of Vinayaka Mission Research foundation (Deemed University) on 7th July, 2023.
Walk With The Weary
“This book truly gives a first hand experience and knowledge on pain management and Palliative care. I have learnt a few lessons after reading this outstanding book by Dr.Rajagopal.” – Mohanan Velayudhan
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.
Get your copy of “Walk With the Weary” here:
Amazon IN: https://www.amazon.in/Walk-Weary-Dr-M-Rajagopal/dp/9393852448
Amazon.Com:
https://www.amazon.com/Walk-Weary-Life-changing-Lessons-Healthcare/dp/9393852448/
Aleph Book Company: https://www.alephbookcompany.com/book/walk-with-the-weary-life-changing-lessons-in-healthcare/
Flipkart: https://www.flipkart.com/walk-with-the-weary/p/itm681283c8fd982
If you have already read the book, please leave a review on the website or email it to us: info@palliumindia.org
Introduction to Palliative Care – Awareness Session for Jharkhand
Rajendra Dutt Bijalwan reports: Click here to read more >>
Palliative Care & Opioid Availability Workshop with Nagaland
Rontu Sangma reports: Click here to read more >>
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.
CAREERS / OPENINGS
Nurse at Panha Lifecare, Mumbai
Palliative Care Physician at Pallium India, Trivandrum
Manager – Social Work at Pallium India, Trivandrum
Lead – Resource Mobilisation at Pallium India, Trivandrum
Staff Nurse at Pallium India, Trivandrum
Paediatrician at Pallium India, Trivandrum
Regional Coordinator (various locations) at Pallium India
Staff Nurse at NNRC ELCA, Coimbatore
Medical Officer at Niramayah Cancer Foundation, Raipur
Nurse at Niramayah Cancer Foundation, Raipur
Consultant – Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation at CMC, Ludhiana
For more openings across the country, visit our CAREERS page:
https://palliumindia.org/category/career
In case of queries, please write to us: career@palliumindia.org
Follow us on Social Media for updates
Contact us: info@palliumindia.org / 97467 45497
Conferences / Events / Courses
Join this virtual conference from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre. It is for free!
4th Annual US Celebration of World Hospice & Palliative Care Day Conference
Compassionate Communities: Together for Palliative Care
Dates: 3-4 October 2023
The conference will feature more than 40 faculty members over two half-days and will feature keynote presentations by Dr. M.R. Rajagopal from Pallium India and Pastor Corey L. Kennard from Ascension St. John Hospital.
Visit http://www.mskcc.org/whpcd more information
World Hospice and Palliative Care Day – 14 October 2023
This year World Hospice and Palliative Care Day (WHPCD) will be observed on Saturday, 14 October 2023, with the theme: 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.
Read to know more about the day and how to get involved: https://www.thewhpca.org/world-hospice-and-palliative-care-day
IAPCON 2024
The 31st annual conference of Indian Association Of Palliative Care (IAPC), IAPCON 2024 will be held at the Gujarat Cancer and Research Institute, Ahmedabad, from 9th February (Friday), to 11th February (Sunday), 2024.
The Pre-conference workshops will take place on Thursday, the 8th of February, 2024.
The theme of IAPCON 2024 is ‘Revisiting the domains of Palliative Care’.
The conference aims to enhance the delegates’ practise of palliative care by empowering them with the various aspects in Palliative Care for both cancer and non-cancer patients. Proposals are invited to conduct pre-conference workshops during IAPCON 2024.
Register early to avail the early bird registration offer.
For more information visit: https://www.iapcon2024.com
16 August 2023
Foundation Course in Palliative Care (FCPC) – Psychosocial Interventions (Basics) – Online
Foundation Course in Palliative Care – Psychosocial Interventions (Basics) is a course aimed at familiarising healthcare providers with the psychosocial aspects of providing care in palliative care settings.
Start Date: 16 August 2023 (Wednesday)
Class Timing: 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM (IST)
Eligibility:
Any recognized undergraduate degree/ diploma with interest to work in the healthcare sector.
Where: ZOOM ONLINE
Register: https://palliumindia.org/2023/07/fcpc-echo-aug16
Contact us: tipsecho@palliumindia.org / (+91) 90721 01146
4 September 2023
6 weeks Certificate Course for doctors and nurses (CCPPM & CCPN) – at Trivandrum
Doctors and Nurses, join this six weeks certificate course in pain management and palliative care, at Trivandrum.
Start Date: 4 September 2023 (Monday)
Eligibility:
CCPPM: M.B.B.S or BDS with permanent registration with medical / dental council.
CCPN: Any nurse holding a recognised degree or certificate in nursing.
Venue: Pallium India, Aisha Memorial Hospital Building, Paruthikkuzhy, Trivandrum.
Register: https://palliumindia.org/2023/06/ccppm-ccpn-sep4
Contact us: education@palliumindia.org / (+91) 85899 98760
Check out upcoming events: https://palliumindia.org/events
Queries? Contact: info@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
Decoding the Facts About Palliative Care
How often have you heard that palliative care is meant for dying people? Or that it’s only meant to help manage pain? Or that it is only for cancer patients?
Too often, it seems.
These misconceptions about palliative care turn into barriers. They become the very reason people do not consider it an option. This is tragic, as it denies them the option of treatment and support that could significantly help improve their quality of life as they struggle with life-limiting or life-threatening illnesses.
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 receive Sahayatra monthly magazine by post, 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
Be creative!
Student Initiative in Palliative Care (SIPC) volunteers from VHSE (Vocational Higher Secondary Education) Vizhinjam bought airbeds for our patients by selling old newspapers.
Yes, you heard it right!
If you truly want to help our palliative patients you don’t need to be wealthy. You just have to be creative and rich in your heart. The student volunteers from the school visited several households in their locality to collect old newspapers. The papers were sold to raise funds to buy airbeds for needy palliative patients.
Next time you think you don’t have any money to help people in need, just be creative! We are sure you will be able to come up with wonderful ways to do it.
Thank you, students of VHSE Vizhinjam!
Thank you for reading our newsletter. Read previous issues here
Don’t miss any updates! Subscribe to receive our monthly newsletter via email: https://www.freelists.org/list/palliumindia
Have feedback? Let us know. Write to us: info@palliumindia.org
Comments are closed.
