Published on: December 30, 2025

Recently, I had the privilege of visiting the Bagchi Karunashraya Palliative care Centre in Bhubaneswar for a two day observational visit. This experience offered me a unique insight into the world of palliative care- where compassion, empathy and dignity are placed at the heart of healthcare.

The first day was dedicated to home care visits. Accompanying the team, I witnessed how care extends beyond hospital walls and reaches patients in their own homes.

What struck me the most was the personalised attention each patient received. The team not only addressed medical needs, like pain management and symptom relief, but also offered emotional and psychological support, often providing comfort to family members as well.

I realised that home based palliative care is not just about medical interventions, it is about presence, listening and reassurance. The trust and gratitude patients and families expressed were deeply moving.

The second day was spent within the Inpatient Department (IPD) of the centre. Here, I saw the structured approach to managing patients with complex needs. The staff maintained a delicate balance between medical care and emotional support, ensuring that patients felt respected and dignified at every stage.

Observing the team work together seamlessly- doctors, nurses and social workers- I understood how multidisciplinary collaboration is the backbone of effective palliative care.

Key Takeaways:

1. Palliative care is Holistic- it addresses not only physical symptoms but also emotional, social and spiritual needs
2. Home care makes a difference- Reaching patients in their homes helps maintain dignity and provides comfort to both patients and families.
3. Teamwork is essential – Collaboration among different healthcare professionals ensures comprehensive care.
4. Compassion over everything- Even small gestures, listening attentively and offering reassurance, can have profound impacts.

Reflection:

This visit reinforced my belief that palliative care is more than a medical service- it is a movement of compassion. It reminded me that healthcare is not just about curing disease but relieving suffering, restoring dignity and offering solace to those who need it most.

Closing thoughts:

As someone involved in palliative care advocacy, this observational visit has strengthened my resolve to promote community awareness, training and collaboration so that more patients can access this compassionate care. Palliative care is not just about medical care; it is about humanity in practice.

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