Published on: May 13, 2026

In a significant step towards strengthening holistic healthcare, Pallium India’s Trivandrum Institute of Palliative Sciences (TIPS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Government Dental College, Trivandrum on 07 May 2026.

The MoU was formally signed between Dr. Padma Kumari, Principal, Government Dental College, Trivandrum, and Dr. Sunil Kumar M.M., Director, TIPS, Pallium India.

This collaboration aims to integrate palliative care principles into oral healthcare services and dental education, recognising the important role oral health plays in improving quality of life for patients living with serious illnesses.

The partnership establishes a collaborative framework to:

• Integrate palliative care into dental practice and oral healthcare services
• Strengthen education and training programmes for students and professionals
• Promote joint research initiatives in palliative care dentistry
• Build capacity among dental students, faculty, and healthcare providers
• Develop community-based services for patients requiring palliative support
• Facilitate exchange of expertise, faculty, and trainees between the institutions

The signing ceremony was attended by distinguished faculty members including Dr. Bindu R. Nayar, Head of the Department of Periodontics; Dr. Vivek S., Assistant Professor, Department of Public Health Dentistry; and Dr. Amirtha Thampi, Head of Palliative Care Dentistry, TIPS, Pallium India, along with the signing dignitaries.

Speaking on the occasion, the institutions emphasised the growing need for interdisciplinary approaches in healthcare that address not only treatment, but also comfort, dignity, communication, and overall well-being.

This collaboration marks a forward-looking initiative in dental education and practice, and is expected to create meaningful impact across academia, clinical care, and community outreach by promoting compassionate and comprehensive oral healthcare.