A one-day Palliative Care Awareness Program, sponsored by the Indian Association of Palliative Care (IAPC), was organized by the Palliative Care Team of Christian Institute of Health Sciences and Research (CIHSR), Dimapur, on September 28 at CIHSR campus.
A press release from CIHSR chaplain, Atsung Imchen reported that IAPC secretary & and medical director of KOSISH Hospice Jharkhand, Dr. Abhijit Dam, conducted an introductory session on Palliative Care. He gave an outline of Palliative Care and said it, among other things, regards dying as a normal process, and offers a support system to help the family to cope during the patients’ illness and in their own bereavement. Dr. Abhijit also stated that the end-of-life care is the most neglected core business of medicine today.
The second session was conducted by consultant of Palliative Oncology, North East Cancer Hospital and Research Institute, Jorabat, Guwahati, Assam, Dr. Sanghamitra Bora. He shared the latest data and statistics about Palliative Care in India. Dr. Rajesh, a Radiation Oncologist from CMC Vellore also shared an oncologist’s perspective on Palliative care.
Dr. Nepuni Athikho, Head of the Palliative Care Department, and a family physician, CIHSR highlighted the current undertakings of the CIHSR Palliative Care Department and the team
Aonuktsung Imchen, Chaplain CIHSR, in the third session, shared about the importance of spiritual and social support in Palliative care.
The afternoon session was a panel discussion on Palliative Care where Rev. Dr. Thungdemo (principal Eastern Bible College), Rev. Dr. Ellen Konyak (associate professor, Oriental Theological Seminary), Ahimsa Zhimomi (founder, Cancer Support Group) and Dr. Merenla (state program officer, National Program for Palliative Care, Directorate of Health and Family Welfare, Kohima) were the panelist.
Another highlight of the day’s program was ‘Echoes of Hope’ where two of the participants shared their experience with Palliative Care.
Dr. Nepuni Athikho, pronounced the vote of thanks, Dr. Christy Simpson (principal, College of Nursing, CIHSR) said the closing prayer. The emcee of the program was Orentsani Kithan, psychologist, Developmental Pediatrics, CIHSR.
Earlier, the event started with a welcome address and invocation by the deputy director of the institution, Dr. Viu Meru.
Altogether, about 120 participants representing various Churches, Hospitals, Theological Colleges, and select students from the College of Nursing (CIHSR) attended the day long program.