January 2025
Pallium India celebrates 21st anniversary
On December 20, 2024, Pallium India organised a full-day event to celebrate our 21st anniversary. Pallium India’s beneficiary, Ms Swathi, and renowned singer Mr G Sreeram inaugurated the function. Pallium India’s volunteer, Mr G Balachandran, welcomed everyone. Dr M. R. Rajagopal (Founder & Chairman-Emeritus, Pallium India) and Mrs Rajeshwari (Volunteer) spoke at the occasion. Ms Angel Augustine (Social Officer) presented the vote of thanks. Mr Akhil Vinay from Shankar Mahadevan Academy mesmerised the audience with his songs.
Employees who completed 15, 10 and 5 years in the organisation were felicitated. Prizes were awarded to the winners of the Christmas tree decoration competition conducted as part of the Christmas celebrations.
This was followed by cultural programs and games. The staff members and volunteers exchanged ‘Secret Santa’ gifts. Ms Sree Priya and Mr Sharath Krishna co-ordinated the program. It was a memorable day of fun and laughter for everyone.
For more pictures from the event, visit & follow our Facebook page.
Welcome to a new edition of Pallium India’s newsletter. Thank you for joining us. Here you can find updates from the palliative care world, upcoming events including training for professionals and volunteers, interesting articles, career opportunities and so on.
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What a Year That Was!
As we transition into a new year, we offer some of the glimmers we experienced by way of improvements to our existing services, new partnerships that allowed us to reach and improve more lives, and progress made in both small and big ways.
Pallium India turned 21 in 2024.
In March, our flagship clinical program – the Trivandrum Institute of Palliative Sciences (TIPS) was redesignated as a WHO Collaborating Centre for Training and Policy on Access to Pain Relief for the 4th time after a rigorous evaluation.
The foundation stone for Pallium India’s Home was laid in October.
We continued in our pursuit of alleviating suffering within our own spheres of influence, in the hope of diminishing even a fraction of the quantum of pain that afflicts the world.
We step into 2025 with gratitude in the midst of hardship, acknowledging the darkness that is yet to be lit, and with the hope that humanity will always hold steadfast in the presence of pain.
Continue reading this year end note prepared by Smriti Rana, Head – Strategic Programs and Partnerships, with inputs from all departments of Pallium India.
NATIONAL WORK
Punjab’s State Drug Controller’s Visit
On Dec 17th 2024, the Joint Commissioner-Drugs, Foods and Drugs Administration, also known as the State Drug Controller, of the state of Punjab, Mr. Sanjiv Garg, visited Pallium India at Trivandrum in Kerala. He is the first State Drug Controller, outside Kerala, to visit Pallium.
We are thankful to him that he took time out of his personal visit and spent a half of his vacation day with us at Pallium. He went around the facility and witnessed the management of opioids, especially Essential Narcotics Drugs (ENDs), its storage in a double locker system and the documentation maintained for it.
During their meeting, Dr. Rajagopal submitted a request letter to him for creating a balanced system of Essential Narcotics Drugs management in the state of Punjab. Issuance of more RMIs-Recognized Medical Certificate with on demand of only the necessary documents. This would encourage doctors to procure pain relief medicines for the patients. Mr. Garg assured that he would look into and try to implement the 2015 rules to the best of his capacity.
Pallium India signs MOU with Haryana DGHS
Pallium India has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Director General Health Services (DGHS) of Haryana state. The purpose of the MOU is for both the organizations to collaborate and strengthen the palliative care services in the state of Haryana. Pallium India would be the technical knowledge partner of Haryana DGHS.
Pallium team will provide capacity building of the palliative care teams in different levels of government healthcare institutes in Haryana. The support from Pallium will also include implementation and operationalization of each palliative care unit in the government hospitals in the state. Procurement of Essential Narcotic Drugs, awareness on its usage and bridging the gaps of the individual centers in delivering palliative care services are some of the areas of collaboration.
Palliative Care in the Islands of Lakshadweep
Recently, Pallium India’s Regional Facilitators, Lalit S and Johnsurya J, visited Thanal Charitable Organisation in the Lakshadweep islands and observed the remarkable work being done by the organization. Our discussions explored opportunities for collaboration between Pallium India and Thanal to enhance palliative care delivery in Lakshadweep.
A New Dawn for Palliative Care in Assam
The first-ever Assam IAPCON 2024, hosted by Pratishruti Cancer and Palliative Trust in collaboration with IAPC Assam State Chapter, was held on 14th and 15th December 2024 in Dibrugarh, Assam.
Breaking new ground in Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Pallium India’s Facilitation Coordinator, Mr. John Surya, and National Head – Facilitation, Ms. Shalini A J, visited Andaman and Nicobar Islands to engage with key stakeholders and lay the groundwork for establishing palliative care services.
By the end of the trip, the first palliative care center in the islands was discovered and added to Pallium India’s directory of palliative care centres.
Ageing in India: Actionable Solutions
Dr. Preeti Chauhan and Mr. Syed Askari represented Pallium India at the Seminar on Ageing in India: Actionable Solutions, held in New Delhi, aimed to gather recommendations and insights to shape policy on ageing in India.
Opioid Availability Workshop conducted
An opioid availability workshop was held virtually on December 17th, 2024, for the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, the presence of the Health Secretary, Dr. Arun T, the Drug Controlling Authority, Mr. Dharmesh Aggarwal.
The workshop was organised in collaboration with the Gujarat Cancer Research Institute and the Daman Medical Association.
The key speakers were Dr. Geeta Joshi, CEO-Community Oncology Center, Ahmedabad, Dr. Priti Sanghvi-Professor & Head, Deputy Director-GCRI, Ahmedabad and Dr. Dinesh Kumar, Professor Community Medicine, Shree Krishna Hospital, Karamsad. Dr. Bijal Kapadia- Vice-President of IMA Daman moderated the sessions.
Trivandrum Institute of Palliative Sciences (TIPS), Pallium India
| Beneficiaries reached till November 2024: | 27,481 | |
| Palliative Care centres / services catalysed: | 211 | |
| Stakeholders trained (virtual and onsite): | 11,204 |
Guest Blogs
Ableism in Palliative Care: How to address it?
On International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Dr Sharada Devi writes about ableism, a type of discrimination that marginalises people with disabilities, banning them from accessing the care and respect they need. Read here
Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now
Joan Marston reflects on Palliative Care as a Human Right, on World Human Rights Day 2024: Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now.
Upcoming Events, Trainings & Conferences
IAPCON 2025
Openings
For more openings, visit our CAREERS page:
https://palliumindia.org/category/career
In case of queries, please write to us: career@palliumindia.org
Stay tuned for palliative care news, views and updates
Reports / News / Articles
A Heartwarming Gathering of Parents of Children with Life-Limiting Illnesses
Pallium India’s parent support group, Rithu, brought the festive spirit to life with a heartwarming celebration of Christmas and New Year for the parents of children with life-limiting illnesses. Around 100 people came together for a memorable event held at the serene Akkulam Village on 28 December 2024.
The gathering was illuminated by the presence of Mr. Joby, cine star, as the chief guest. The day was a kaleidoscope of joy, laughter, and togetherness, featuring a vibrant lineup of activities for both parents and children.
Ms Nincy Mariam Mondly, a life coach, a paraplegic artist and a motivational speaker inspired everyone with her engaging and interactive mind games. Mr Arun Babu, a magician, left the audience spellbound with his captivating tricks, evoking smiles and wonder among attendees of all ages.
Towards a more inclusive future
On December 3rd, 2024, Pallium India observed the International Day for Persons with Disabilities, a day deeply rooted in the principles of social solidarity. This day is dedicated to advocating for the rights, inclusion, and empowerment of people with disabilities around the world.
This year’s theme (“Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future”) resonates deeply with the philosophical ideals of justice, dignity, and human agency. It underscores the importance of not only recognizing but also elevating the voices and leadership of persons with disabilities.
Anjali Krishnan writes. Continue Reading >>
Also Read: Empowering Disabled Voices: It is important to include disabled persons in decision-making process
Thank you, SBI!
State Bank of India (SBI), Thiruvananthapuram Circle, is extending its support to Pallium India’s homecare services with a generous contribution of 25 lacs through their corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative.
During their annual meeting in Kochi, Mr. Vinay Tonse, Managing Director of SBI, handed over the placard to Pallium India’s Chairman, Mr. Binod Hariharan, and Head of Resource Mobilisation, Ms Shriya Singh.
Mr. Tonse expressed his admiration for Pallium India’s efforts, congratulated us on our work, and promised to visit us soon. Mr. Binod Hariharan thanked the SBI team for their generous contribution and invited the staff to visit the facility and volunteer.
We look forward to this long-term partnership to bring relief to those facing critical health challenges.
New Collaboration: Strengthening Geriatrics and Palliative Care
We are excited to announce that the Indian Academy of Geriatrics (IAG) – Kerala Chapter and Pallium India have formalized a partnership in December 2024. This marks the start of a collaboration aimed at enhancing geriatrics and palliative care services, with a focus on integrated training for healthcare professionals.
The core objective of this partnership is to advance the integration of geriatrics into palliative care and vice versa, promoting a holistic care approach that benefits healthcare providers, caregivers, and older adults. Both organizations will work closely to deliver education and training, improve clinical service delivery, conduct research, and engage in advocacy efforts to address the pressing needs in the fields of geriatrics and palliative care.
The collaboration will focus on both short-term and long-term goals with specific objectives to strengthen Geriatrics and Palliative care.
We are grateful to the Indian Academy of Geriatrics, Kerala Chapter and to Dr. Divyamol K. Sasidharan (President IAG, Kerala Chapter) for her support in making this collaboration possible.
We look forward to the positive impact this partnership will have on the care of older adults in our community and the meaningful advancements it will bring in the fields of geriatrics and palliative care.
Congratulations, Dr Hyderali
Congratulations to Dr. C. M. Hyderali (Life Care Foundation Patron, President of Anwar Memorial Pain and Palliative Care Society and President of the Consortium of Pain and Palliative Care Units in Ernakulam District) on being awarded the Varapuzha Archdiocese BCC Service Award for outstanding social service.
End-of-life care needs decolonising
Rich knowledge and practices of community and family based care for dying people in formerly colonised countries should inform a reimagination of palliative care globally, say Dr Christian Ntizimira, Smriti Rana and colleagues in the BMJ:
Mahima 2024
Pallium India, in partnership with Tejas Jewellery, organised a Christmas Bazaar on the 6th and 7th of December, 2024 in Thiruvananthapuram. It was an exhibition and sale of rehabilitation products created by patients and caregivers, including crochet keychains, jewellery, lotions, soaps, pens, umbrellas, bedsheets, pillow covers, cookies, different varieties of pickles and cakes.
Through our rehabilitation programs, Pallium India works closely with individuals, providing them with the tools and resources they need to adapt and thrive. Patients and caregivers are able to reclaim function and independence despite life-altering health challenges and also provide a source of income, fostering a sense of purpose and mental well-being for patients and caregivers.
Video of the Month
Aging Gracefully : Planning for a Meaningful Closure
We all accept that palliative care is for the patient and the family. But how much of the theory is put into practice? Caregiver Saathi is an organisation founded by Bhavana Issar that provides “family caregivers community support, learning tools and a range of curated services for home-based care”. In this interview, Bhavana Issar engages in a conversation with Dr M. R. Rajagopal about aging as a holistic journey.
Click here to watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srYE8DF0q6E
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.
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Book of the Month
Notes on Grief – by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
How is it that the world keeps going, breathing in and out unchanged, while in my soul there is a permanent scattering?
Grief is a cruel kind of education. You learn how ungentle mourning can be, how full of anger. You learn how glib condolences can feel. You learn how much grief is about language, the failure of language and the grasping for language.
Grief was the celebration of love, those who could feel real grief were lucky to have loved.
Notes on Grief is a 2021 memoir written by the Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Presented in 30 short sections, Notes on Grief was written following the death of her father James Nwoye Adichie in June 2020, during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Walk with the Weary – by Dr M R Rajagopal
A masterclass in how to care for others deeply and compassionately no matter who they are, Walk with the Weary is simultaneously the story of Dr Rajagopal’s life and his calling and the world of Indian palliative care.
Palliative Care Telehealth
Call us: +91 964 588 4889 / +91 860 688 4889
PARTING SHOT
Navigating Care, Agency and Dignity
In December 2024, I got the opportunity to visit the remote outskirts of Udupi district in Karnataka, where I met a family whose faces and life story made an indelible mark on my mind.
Three of us from Pallium India, along with five community leaders and activists including local self-government officials, visited a household tucked away from the main road, nestled in a downhill terrain. The surroundings were enveloped in a lush greenery that soothed both the eyes and the mind. The quiet tranquillity of nature, with its vivid shades of green, seemed to promise peace.
As we stepped inside, the context shifted dramatically, and the serenity outside was replaced by a profound stillness within the house. We found two children suffering from Muscular Dystrophy, lying on separate beds positioned across from one another, facing each other. Standing beside them were their elderly parents.
Anjali Krishnan R writes: Navigating Care, Agency and Dignity
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