Published on: January 31, 2026

Aangan’s Inpatient Palliative Care Ward Opens in Vasai, Maharashtra

Some journeys in palliative care unfold quietly through conversations, mentoring sessions, persistent follow ups and shared dreams, and then one day, they take a tangible form that reminds us why we do what we do.

Over the last one year or so, I have had the privilege of mentoring Light of Life, an NGO based in Mumbai, as they took steady steps towards integrating palliative care into their services.

What began as discussions on need, feasibility and approach has now culminated into a remarkable milestone. The inauguration of a 16-bedded inpatient palliative care ward named “Aangan” at Swami Shradhanand Hospital, Vasai on 14^th Jan 2026.

Being invited to witness and be part of this inauguration was deeply moving, not just as a mentor, but as a representative of Pallium India’s larger mission to expand access to compassionate palliative care across the country.

From Vision to Reality:

Establishing an inpatient palliative care service is never easy. It demands not only infrastructure, but also commitment, trained human resources, administrative support and above all, a shared understanding of what holistic care truly means.

Throughout the mentoring journey, Light of Life demonstrated openness to learning, resilience in the face of challenges and a genuine concern for people living with serious illnesses. The leadership’s willingness to walk this path step by step made this achievement possible.

The collaboration with Swami Shradhanand Hospital added another crucial layer, showing how partnerships between NGOs and hospitals can create sustainable palliative care models with existing healthcare systems.

Why this matters

For patients and families in and around Vasai, this 16-bedded inpatient ward means:

• Access to dignified, compassionate and supportive care
• Relief from pain and distress
• Emotional and psychosocial support during some of the most vulnerable moments of life

Gratitude and Hope

I deeply appreciate the team of Light of Life for their dedication, humility and perseverance and hospital administration of Swami Shradhanand Hospital for embracing palliative care as an essential service.

As I reflect on this journey, I am reminded that palliative care grows not only through policies and programs, but through people who dare to care and institutions willing to walk together.

This is one more step forward and many more await.

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