Strengthening Pediatric Palliative Care
Pediatric Palliative Care at Pallium India has made remarkable strides over the past year, with around 20 programs conducted exclusively under this initiative. These efforts include medical camps, community awareness sessions, and the launch of RITHU, our flagship parent support group. The impact of these initiatives has been profound, ensuring that more children and families receive the essential care they need. Sustaining and expanding these efforts is crucial in the years ahead to reach more children requiring pediatric palliative care services. Continuing our commitment, we began this year’s pediatric palliative care initiatives with a medical camp at Uzhamalakkal on February 14, 2025. This event was organized in collaboration with the Uzhamalakkal Sri Narayana Higher Secondary School and the Sangamam Pain and Palliative Care Society. The camp was inaugurated by Panchayat President J. Lalitha, followed by a Presidential Address from PTA President M. Nakulan. Members of the Uzhamalakkal Pain and Palliative Care Society, including Mr. Suresh, delivered felicitation speeches, and the vote of thanks was presented by our volunteer Mr. Balachandran. Following the inaugural function, Dr. Sangeetha Suresh, in charge of the Pediatric Palliative Care Division at Pallium India, conducted a community awareness session. The session was attended by 35 participants, including school staff and NSS students. For many, it was an eye-opening experience, particularly for the students, who found the concept of pediatric palliative care entirely new. They enthusiastically committed to identifying individuals in need of palliative care services in their communities and connecting them to the Link Center at the Uzhamalakkal Palliative Care Center.
Simultaneously, the medical camp commenced under the supervision of Dr. Robin Abraham, Associate Professor, SUT Medical College, Pediatrics. He was joined by Dr. Asha Rani, Pediatrician, Dr.Shahana pediatrician and Dr. Sreejini (Research and innovation head) and Dr. Amritha (Research), who led the dental camp. The overall camp was efficiently managed by Dr. Susan John and Dr. Greshma S Nair, ensuring smooth operations. Mr. Sibin Satheesh (Pediatric social worker) and Sister Chandralekha (Nurse-in-Charge of Pediatrics), coordinated all activities, ensuring the camp proceeded without disruptions. Tremendous support was received from interns, Sister Shanifa, the Uzhamalakkal nurse in-charge, and community engagement social officers, whose networking efforts were vital to the camp’s success. A heartfelt thank you goes to the staff and volunteers of Pallium India, Sangamam Palliative Care Society and Sri Narayana Higher Secondary School, for their dedication and commitment to this initiative,organising everything in a short period .
Recognizing that community awareness alone is not enough, we also need to engage healthcare professionals to deepen their understanding of pediatric palliative care. On February 15, 2025, we conducted an awareness session at SAT Hospital in collaboration with Dr. Sheela Rani, Nodal Officer at Trivandrum Medical College. The session, attended by 32 nurses, highlighted the essential role of pediatric palliative care in inpatient and family support. Despite our presence at SAT since 2013, awareness of our services remains limited. This session was an eye-opener for many nurses, helping them recognize how pediatric palliative care can transform a family’s experience and improve a child’s treatment trajectory.
The success of these initiatives marks a promising start to the year. However, challenges remain, particularly in gaining community support and enhancing professionals’ understanding of pediatric palliative care. To truly strengthen the system, we must continue conducting community awareness sessions and engage professionals to emphasize the impact of palliative care on the lives of children and their families. With sustained efforts and collective commitment, we can drive meaningful change in pediatric palliative care and extend our reach to those in need.
Submitted by Dr. Sangeetha Suresh, currently leading the paediatric palliative care project.
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