Published on: February 1, 2025

Team Pallium India at IAPCON’2025

From Kerala to Jammu! The dedicated team from Pallium India, Trivandrum at IAPCON in Jammu. Four days of learning and connecting with the palliative care community across India and abroad. The 32nd International Conference of the Indian Association of Palliative Care is being held in Jammu and organised by the J&K Chapter of IAPC and All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jammu. Pre-conference workshops were held on 30th January, followed by the Conference scheduled between 31st January to 2nd February’2025.

Stay tuned for more updates from the conference in the coming days.

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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Thrilled to be part of India Giving Day 2025! 🌟

India Giving Day, an initiative of the India Philanthropy Alliance, unites diverse nonprofits under the common goal of sustainable development in India. Pallium India USA is honored to be selected for India Giving Day 2025! This is a great opportunity for us to raise funds and compete with other participating Indian Non-Profits with (501c3) registration in the US. 

Events, Matching Gifts, Peer 2 Peer Fundraisers, Social Media content and many more!

India Giving Day is on 14th March 2025. Early giving starts on 1st March. Save & Share this!
Together, we’ll ensure no one faces health struggles alone.

For learning more, check https://indiagivingday.org

Comedy For Compassion”- An India Giving Day Initiative by Pallium India USA. Featuring stand up comedian, writer and TV Host ‘Dhaya Lakshminarayanan’. A Fundraising night with lots of laughter and Dinner. On 14th March, at Sunyvale, CA- 94085, USA.

Tickets for Sale on: https://events.sulekha.com/comedy-for-compassion_event-in_sunnyvale-ca_383443


National Work
Regional Facilitation in Andhra Pradesh

Pallium India was invited by its well-wisher and partner – Sneha Sandhya Foundation to collaborate and talk about enhancing palliative care in the state to the Honorable Health Minister of Andhra Pradesh on Jan 23rd 2025. We are very thankful to Dr. NS Raju, Managing Trustee of Sneha Sandhya Age Care Foundation, Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh to give us this privilege of joining him in this meeting with the minister. Read more>>>

Inspiring the Next Generation of Compassionate Caregivers

Pallium India conducted a six- day (Jan 15th-Jan 22nd 2025) online volunteer training program(VTP) on palliative care for Class XI students of Indus International School, Pune in Maharashtra30 participants joined the training including students, teachers and parents.

The program not only focused on the student’s intellectual development, but also about the cultivation of empathy, resilience, and a deep sense of humanity. The online format allowed for an easy and accessible platform for learning.  It was the human connection formed through shared reflections and experiences that made the program truly impactful. Read more>>>

HBC Con

The Home-Based Care (HBC) Conference Wrap-Up Workshop was convened on January 4–5, 2025, at Cardinal Gracis Hall, St. John’s Medical College, Bangalore. The event brought together representatives from leading institutions engaged in home-based palliative care across India. Key attendees included Dr. Nandini Vallath and her team from St. John’s Medical College (SJMCH), Dr. Lekshmi and her team from Swamy Vivekananda Youth Movement (SVYM), Dr. Vibha (SVYM), Dr. Babitha and her team from Karunashraya,  and Mr Prince from the Shihab Thangal Centre for Humanity (STCH). Mrs Reshma Sreekumar and I represented Pallium India. Read more>>>

Adding to the tribe: Passionate professionals to provide compassionate care

As part of the continuous efforts to reach 10 million people and make India pain-free by 2030, the Education and Skill Building Department of Pallium India, along with support from all other departments, conducted the final examinations of the 2024 batch of Global fellowship in Palliative Medicine during 14 – 18 Dec 2024. 32 Fellows, including 02 from Nepal and 01 from Sri Lanka, attended the exams in person. One participant from Nigeria attended the final exam online. 29 cleared, all equipped to act as ambassadors of Palliative care in their regions of practice. 21 fellows secured A+, 7 got A grade and one fellow secured a B grade. Read more>>>


Trivandrum Institute of Palliative Sciences (TIPS), Pallium India
Beneficiaries reached till December 2024:27,684
Palliative Care centres / services catalysed:211
Stakeholders trained (virtual and onsite):11,204
Upcoming Events, Trainings & Conferences

Openings

Pallium India has been certified a Great Place To Work!

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For more openings, visit our CAREERS page:
https://palliumindia.org/category/career

In case of queries, please write to us: career@palliumindia.org


Reports / News / Articles
Workshop on Integration of Palliative Care at SUT Academy of Medical Sciences

A one-day workshop on the integration of palliative care into private hospitals was held on January 15, 2025, at SUT Academy of Medical Sciences, Vattapara. The event was organized by Dr. M.K. Krishna Kumar, Head of the Department of Community Medicine, and Dr. Arun R., Vice-Principal, Academics, in collaboration with the Pallium India team.

The workshop was inaugurated with a formal lighting of the lamp by Dr. M.R. Rajagopal, Chairman Emeritus of Pallium India. The sessions, conducted by esteemed faculty members from Pallium India, included comprehensive discussions on various aspects of palliative care, aimed at enhancing understanding and implementation in hospital settings.

Read more>>>


Press release on Urgent need for lifesaving SMA treatment.

SMA Patients and Experts Refute Government Affidavit in Kerala Court, Demand Urgent Action on Treatment Costs

The recent affidavit filed by the Central Government in the Kerala High Court regarding the treatment of Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) has drawn sharp criticism from patients, experts, and advocacy groups. The government, while acknowledging the exorbitant cost of SMA therapies (ranging from ₹50 lakh to ₹8 crore per patient annually), has suggested relying on crowdfunding and state-level interventions, effectively abdicating its constitutional responsibility to ensure accessible healthcare for all citizens.

The affidavit states that the estimated annual expenditure for treating all SMA patients in India could range between ₹6,400 crore and ₹34,000 crore, deeming it an unmanageable financial burden. This stance, however, disregards the potential for significantly reducing treatment costs. Research by Melissa Barber, an expert affiliated with Yale University, indicates that generic Risdiplam could be produced in India for as little as ₹3,000 per year. Read more>>>


Enhancing the Quality of Life in Children’s Palliative Care – Pallium India

Children’s palliative care brings comfort, compassion, and dignity during the difficult journey of childhood illness. It supports not only the young patients but also their families, offering solace, empathy, and a sense of community. By improving the quality of life for children with life-limiting conditions, palliative care fosters a deeper understanding and support for these children in society.

On November 25th and 26th, 2024, Pallium India organized a Children’s Medical Camp at St. Martha’s Special School in Menamkulam, Kazhakoottam. The camp was a significant event aimed at addressing the healthcare needs of children in the community, particularly those facing psychological challenges and life-limiting illnesses. Read more>>>


Rithu 2024: Spreading Joy and Hope through togetherness

In December 28, 2024, Pallium India organized a heartwarming event for the families of pediatric palliative care patients under its flagship Rithu program. Held at the serene Akkulam Tourist Village in Trivandrum, the event brought together 31 families, staff, volunteers, and special guests for a day filled with joy, support, and reflection.

The event started with inspiring speeches from key figures. Dr. Sangeetha Suresh, the in-charge doctor of the pediatric department, welcomed everyone, while Dr. Sunil Kumar delivered the presidential address. Followed by heart touching speech by Mr. Joby AS (cine actor) and Dr. Kusuma Kumary (Former HOD Pediatric oncology RCC) The interactive sessions further deepened the connection between families, staff, and volunteers. Ms Aswathy Kattumpuram shared a deeply moving account of her journey as a mother caring for her little girl who battled glioma. She recounted the emotional and physical challenges she faced during this difficult time, including the end-of-life phase, and how the unwavering support from the Pallium India team became her anchor through it all. Read more>>>


From the Depths of Despair to the Heights of Independence: The inspirational journey of Sulfi

Anjali Krishnan R, Officer – Projects and Data, Pallium India, writes:

Life often leads us down unexpected paths, plunging us into depths we never anticipated. Such was the case for a 45-year-old man, once a heavy vehicle driver, whose life was dramatically altered when his vehicle plunged into a deep pit in Pollachi. The accident left him paraplegic, stripping him of the mobility he once took for granted. However, it wasn’t just his body that endured this transformation; his spirit and sense of identity were profoundly challenged.

At first, he struggled with the harsh reality of his condition. As an existentialist, he wrestled with the profound question: “What is the meaning of life when one’s physical autonomy is taken away?” This existential crisis was compounded by a lack of awareness about his diagnosis and prognosis. Yet, deep within, he clung to an unwavering hope—hope that he could reclaim the life and this hope became his guiding light through the fog of despair. Read more>>>


Manjuthulli’2025

The Manjuthulli Art Exhibition, organized by Pallium India, was held at the MAUVE Art Gallery, Sasthamangalam. The event showcased the extraordinary artistic talents of palliative care volunteers, beneficiaries and their caregivers, drawing significant attention from art enthusiasts and the local community.

The exhibition was inaugurated by Famous Artist Mr. Kattoor Narayanapillai (Former Chairman, Lalithakala Academy) in the esteemed presence of Padmasri. Dr. M R Rajagopal and Ms Allumol (Kalathilakam – Block Level Keralolsavam).

The gallery featured a wide array of Art works. Each piece told a unique story of strength and perseverance, captivating visitors and inspiring heartfelt admiration. Many of the artworks were available for purchase, with the proceeds going directly to support Pallium India’s programs.

Manjuthulli has also been covered in the regional press!

We cannot thank our beloved Volunteers enough, without whom this would not have been a success. The event initially was hosted on the 10th and 11th January, (Friday and Saturday) however we had to extend it till Monday 13th of Jan for interested requests and footfalls.
Hope to keep up the same energy and vibe until next time. 


Right to die with dignity: Kerala hospital’s quiet revolution through Living Will

The Government Medical College Hospital (GMCH) in Kollam, Kerala, has launched India’s first Living Will Information Counter. Living wills enable individuals to exercise autonomy over their healthcare, ensuring they receive the treatment they desire while sparing loved ones the burden of making difficult decisions.

Read the complete article>>>

Video of the Month
Understanding Advance Medical Directives – a video in Malayalam

Click here to watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TgAXqC2Th1w

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.


Join us in making India pain-free! Subscribe to our newsletter for updates.


Book of the Month
The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion

From one of America’s iconic writers, a stunning book of electric honesty and passion that explores an intensely personal yet universal experience: a portrait of a marriage—and a life, in good times and bad—that will speak to anyone who has ever loved a husband or wife or child. Several days before Christmas 2003, John Gregory Dunne and Joan Didion saw their only daughter, Quintana, fall ill with what seemed at first flu, then pneumonia, then complete septic shock. She was put into an induced coma and placed on life support. Days later—the night before New Year’s Eve—the Dunnes were just sitting down to dinner after visiting the hospital when John Gregory Dunne suffered a massive and fatal coronary. In a second, this close, symbiotic partnership of forty years was over. Four weeks later, their daughter pulled through. Two months after that, arriving at LAX, she collapsed and underwent six hours of brain surgery at UCLA Medical Center to relieve a massive hematoma. This powerful book is Didion’ s attempt to make sense of the “weeks and then months that cut loose any fixed idea I ever had about death, about illness … about marriage and children and memory … about the shallowness of sanity, about life itself.


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


We extend our heartfelt ‘THANK YOU’ to each and every one who contributed to our Christmas🌲 Fundraiser (Box🎁of Joy) in December. Together, we continue to ‘Make a Difference’.

Looking forward to your similar generosity and support in the future.

PARTING SHOT
Collusion – who benefits from it?  

1. Mr A, 20 years old was dying of cancer. His family knew but didn’t want the young man to know. I gently asked the father if I should speak to Mr A, but the father said,” No, No! He will lose all hope.” I remember my last conversation with Mr. A. He said, ‘ When I go to my village can I ride my bike? ‘ With a heavy heart, I said, “Of course! Why not!” Then he looked at me dejectedly and said, ” Why isn’t the pain going away? I have been under treatment for a year, the pain is increasing every day.” I didn’t know what to say. 

He died 2 days later! The wish of the family was fulfilled – their son didn’t know but what about the son? Didn’t he deserve to know? If he had known in time he could have gone back home and taken one last ride on his bike! Who did the collusion help?? 

2. Ms R was in her late 40’s. She was dying of cancer. Her family had been counselled about her impending death. They didn’t want Ms R to know because she would LOSE HOPE! The family kept telling Ms R that she would recover. Ms R had an apartment she had recently bought. Even after repeatedly being told that Ms R should know that she was dying so that she could make a will and nominate someone to whom she could leave her property, the family wasn’t agreeing. Ms R went into the ICU and a few days later she died. The will wasn’t made. The fate of her apartment is in limbo. Whilst the wishes of her family were fulfilled, a house that Ms R made with so much love may not belong to anyone!! Who did the collusion help? 

I have heard and seen this so often. “Don’t tell them, they will lose hope”‘ … yes, holding to hope is very important but hope is at the expense of denying the dying to complete their pending tasks or not giving them an opportunity to fulfil their last wishes, is it really hope? Hope can come in other forms too- Mr A after riding his bike one last time would have hoped that his bike would be taken care of. Ms R after writing her will would have hoped that the flat she built so lovingly would go to someone she loved! 

So, who really benefits from collusion?? 


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