Published on: November 1, 2025
Nagaland Observes World Hospice & Palliative Care Day

Nagaland joined the global observance of World Hospice and Palliative Care Day with a heartfelt program that emphasized the power of compassion in healthcare. The event was hosted at AIDA, Don Bosco School, Dimapur, and organized by Serene Palliative Care, Eden Medical Centre, St. Joseph’s Pain and Palliative Care Home, and CIHSR. Healthcare professionals, community leaders, and advocates gathered to highlight the growing importance of palliative care in the state, an approach that prioritizes comfort, dignity, and emotional well-being for patients facing serious illnesses.

Event Highlights

Geoffrey Yaden, Editor-in-Chief of Nagaland Post, delivered a powerful keynote on the role of compassion in medical care. He advocated for:

  • Integrating palliative care into school curricula as an optional skill subject.
  • Encouraging churches to adopt palliative care as a ministry.
  • Expanding services to rural areas through government-supported training and certification.

Dr Tony Vikas Bishwas, CIHSR, clarified that palliative care is not limited to end-of-life situations. It enhances the quality of life for patients with serious illnesses and supports emotional and spiritual well-being.

Dr Obangjungla, Serene Palliative Care, shared her journey into home-based care post-retirement. She emphasized that care at home reduces hospital costs and strengthens family involvement.

Dr Kezo, Joint Director and State Programme Officer, NPPC NHM, announced:

  • Nagaland’s inclusion in the National Programme for Palliative Care.
  • One operational unit in Kohima, with five more in progress.
  • 37 Medical Officers trained; nurse training underway.

Rontu Sangma, Pallium India, stressed the importance of community ownership in sustaining palliative care. Pallium India’s D.E.F. model—Demonstration, Education, Facilitation—thrives when communities lead the way.

Dr N. Athikho, Eden Medical Centre, shared moving poems written by patients, reflecting the peace and hope found through palliative care.

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