Seeds of Change: Palliative Care in Nagaland
When I stepped off the train in Dimapur on 29th June, I knew this journey would be more than just meetings and schedules. It was about listening, connecting, and building bridges for palliative care in Nagaland. Over four days, I met doctors, administrators, civil society leaders, and even nuns – each encounter reminding me of the shared commitment to compassionate care.
Conversations That Matter
Seeds of Change in Dimapur
The following day, I met Dr Sentinukla at the Police Referral Hospital. Her request for on-site awareness sessions for nurses and doctors showed the practical steps needed to build capacity. At St. Joseph Pain & Palliative Care Centre, collaboration came to life as Dr Keditsu joined us for observation. The Christian Institute of Health Sciences & Research (CIHSR) brought good news: a dedicated 10-bed ward for palliative care is on the horizon.
Civil Society and Collective Spirit
On 2nd July, I met Ahimsa Zhimo at Beyond Cancer. A survivor herself, she spoke of collective outreach for the upcoming World Hospice and Palliative Care Day (WHPCD). At Chavara Home Convent, the nun sisters’ work with HIV patients reminded me that palliative care is not just about cancer – it’s about dignity in every illness.
A Milestone Achieved
The most significant outcome of this visit was the endorsement of the Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) Project MoU by the Commissioner and Secretary of Nagaland. The signing of the MoU marks a turning point for palliative care in the state.
Looking Ahead
This journey was not just about meetings; it was about weaving together threads of hope, policy, and practice. From hospitals preparing new wards to civil society planning collective outreach, Nagaland is moving steadily toward a future where palliative care is accessible, compassionate, and integrated.
As I boarded the train back to Guwahati, I carried with me not just notes and photos, but the conviction that together, we are shaping a more humane healthcare system – one conversation, one partnership, one MoU at a time.
Rontu Sangma
Regional Facilitator, Pallium India – Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tripura, Manipur, Sikkim & West Bengal
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