Published on: October 10, 2025

Pallium India and the Child Development Centre, Thiruvananthapuram, in collaboration with SAT Hospital’s Department of Pediatrics, the Indian Academy of Pediatrics, Sunflower Children’s Network, and Two Worlds Cancer Collaboration, jointly organized a one-day Pediatric Palliative Care Workshop on September 28, 2025, themed “From Symptoms to Smiles.”

The workshop brought together nearly 30 doctors from across Kerala as well as other states including Goa, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu. United by a shared mission, the participants aimed to move beyond medicine and focus on bringing comfort, dignity, and hope to children living with life-limiting illnesses.

The event commenced with a warm welcome by Dr. M.M. Sunil Kumar, Director, TIPS, followed by an inspirational address that set the tone for the day’s discussions and learning by Sri Binod Hariharan, Chairman and CEO of Pallium India, who emphasized

the importance of holistic healthcare in enhancing the quality of life not only for the child but also for their family, including siblings. He highlighted initiatives like Rithu, the parent support group program, which provides families with a vital platform for connection and support. He also underlined the role of healthcare professionals in ensuring that families are given equal opportunities within society. His words served as a powerful reminder that true palliative care goes beyond symptom relief, it encompasses the emotional, social, and psychological well-being of the entire family.

The day was enriched with words of encouragement from eminent dignitaries including

Dr. Lalitha Kailas (Associate Dean & Professor – Pediatrics, Sree Gokulam Medical college),

Dr. Santhosh Kumar (Professor – Pediatrics, and Medical Superintendent Azeezia Medical college), Dr. M. R. Rajagopal, Dr. Deepa Bhaskaran (Professior – Developmental Pediatrics, Director CDC), and Dr. Riaz I (President IAP, Kerala). Dr. Amirtha Thampi (Head, Clinical Services, TIPS) delivered the Vote of Thanks.

The sessions began with Dr. M. R. Rajagopal, who provided an insightful introduction to pediatric palliative care and highlighted its pressing need in the Indian context. He described a child’s pain left unassessed and untreated, or excessive medical interventions prolonging suffering rather than offering relief, an act of violence. He urged doctors to place compassion at the center of care, prioritising dignity, comfort, and love alongside medical management. His went on to shared real-life experiences that truly reflected the heart of pediatric palliative care.

Dr. P.G. Hariprasad (Associate Professor, Pediatrics SATH) spoke on managing distressing symptoms like breathlessness, seizures, fatigue etc.; Dr. Sajida Abdulla (Associate Prof., Dept. of Pediatrics and nodal officer for the Pain and Palliative care unit, GMC, Ernakulam) presented a case study on a child with a neuro-degenerative condition; Dr. Christy Cathereen Thomas highlighted the struggles of children with CKD Stage 5; Dr. Veena Anand shed light on fragile infants with rare genetic conditions; and Dr. Kusuma Kumary P explored the multi-layered needs of children with cancer. The sessions culminated in a powerful presentation by Dr. Sangeetha Suresh, Head of Pediatric Palliative Care at Pallium India, who shared her experiences of managing complex pain in children with severe burns – showing that even in the most difficult circumstances, relief and comfort are possible.

The workshop concluded with a heartfelt valedictory session led by Dr. Sunil Kumar (Director, TIPS), where participants reflected on the day’s learnings with sincerity and renewed purpose. Many doctors shared their resolve to carry forward the spirit of compassionate pediatric care into their everyday practice – ensuring that the lessons learned would reach beyond the workshop and touch the lives of children and families in need.

True to its theme, “From Symptoms to Smiles,” the workshop reaffirmed that pediatric palliative care goes far beyond medicine—it is about restoring dignity, easing suffering, and creating moments of joy even amidst pain. The sessions were a deeply enriching experience, showcasing the compassion and commitment of pediatricians across the country who are striving to improve the quality of life for their young patients. One of the key takeaways was that doctors are always ready to go the extra mile for their patients—they simply need the right guidance, mentorship, and support to do so effectively. As participants pledged to carry forward this spirit of care, the message was clear: when compassion and clinical excellence come together, healing becomes complete—and the future of pediatric palliative care in India shines with immense promise.

Nancy Anna Itty
Senior Social Welfare Officer, Pallium India

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