In the hills of Chamba, compassion finds a Home
Nestled in the serene folds of Himachal Pradesh, the district of Chamba is quietly pioneering a movement that’s reshaping healthcare at its roots – bringing dignity, empathy, and healing into the homes of those grappling with life-limiting conditions.
Supported by Pallium India, a non-profit dedicated to compassionate care, a community-based model is blooming under the leadership of committed healthcare professionals.
- Dr. Aditi Chaturvedi (National Trainer, Prof. & Head, Pharmacology, GMC Chamba)
- Dr. Navdeep Rathore (BMO, Phukri)
- Dr. Bipin Thakur (CMO)
- Dr. Karan Hiteshi (DPO)
Their mission? To break the silence surrounding suffering and empower communities to care for their own.
From 24th–27th May 2024, structured 3-hour sessions trained ASHAs, ANMs, CHOs, and MPWs on palliative care principles, bedridden patient care techniques, and standardized documentation (pain score, ECOG, ADL, distress thermometer)—all aligned with national guidelines and conducted in Hindi.
A follow-up meeting on 30th June 2025, led by Ms. Mehak Chopra (Regional Facilitator, Pallium India), engaged 125 ASHAs, 5 MOs, and 8 CHOs. Case studies revealing effective patient identification and care delivery, creation of WhatsApp support groups and grassroots fundraising for essentials like air beds and hygiene kits were shared. Community ownership became the cornerstone of sustained impact.
Field visits on 1st July 2025, with Dr. Rathore, Dr. Chaturvedi, and Ms.Chopra, illustrated the heart of the revolution: a diabetic patient’s wound healed under ASHA guidance; a paraplegic woman received emotional care and assistive devices through local donations. Hilly terrain, medicine shortages, and limited mobility remain hurdles. But solutions are in motion. Stakeholder meetings led by Dr. Thakur explored CSR partnerships, medical intern engagement (with vehicle support), and morphine procurement strategies.The team is now working toward scaling capacity-building and publishing findings to inspire replication across other districts.
Chamba’s approach proves that compassionate care doesn’t need high-tech infrastructure – just committed professionals, empowered frontline workers, and community hearts. It’s not just a health initiative. It’s a social transformation.
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