SJPC celebrates World Hospice and Palliative Care Day

St Joseph’s Pain and Palliative Care Center (SJPC), Chümoukedima celebrated World Hospice and Palliative Care Day 2025, under the theme “Achieving the promise: Universal Access to Palliative care” at its center on October 17.
Speaking at the programme, chief guest chairman, Town Council Chumoukedima, Lhousito Khro, acknowledged that this was his first direct exposure to the concepts of “pain and relief” in the context of hospice and palliative care. Drawing from the presentations made by other speakers, he said they have shared everything that needed to be said, leaving little more for him to add.
He praised the Palliative Care Trust under the Catholic society, calling it the most fitting organization to lead such a mission. He admired the compassion, dedication and spiritual depth of the sisters involved, noting that their ever-smiling presence was just as important as medical treatment in easing the suffering of patients and their families. He gave special credit to Father Chacko, under whose mentorship the first and only Hospice and Palliative Care Center in the state had been established. He described Father Jacob as a humble, approachable, and hands-on leader who connected deeply with the community and performed tasks personally that others might delegate.
Though initially, unfamiliar with the concept of palliative care, he said that his visit opened his eyes to its importance. He appreciated the warm and effective care provided by the St. Joseph’s team, noting how deeply moved he was during his tour of the facility.
On behalf of the people of Chümoukedima, he offered his blessings and assured the institution of continued support and cooperation moving forward. He concluded by expressing admiration for the work being done and reaffirmed the community’s willingness to stand with the hospice team in their mission of compassionate service
HOD and Consultant, Palliative Medicine, CIHSR, Dr. Tony Vikas Biswas gave an insight on “What is Palliative Care.” He emphasized that the idea of “nothing more can be done” for a seriously ill patient was fundamentally wrong. He explained that there was always something that can be done to improve a patient’s comfort and dignity even when a cure is no longer possible.
He highlighted that palliative care goes beyond medicine. It is a compassionate, holistic approach that addresses the physical, emotional, psychological, social, and spiritual suffering of a person. A patient is more than their illness, they are a person with fears, relationships, and hopes, and care must reflect that.
Quoting Dame Cicely Saunders, founder of modern hospice care, Dr. Biswas reminded the audience that “You matter because you are you. You matter to the last moment of your life. And we will do all that we can. Not only to help you die peacefully, but to live until you die.” He stressed that palliative care helps people live until they die, instead of treating them as if they are already dead.
He also clarified a common misconception stating that palliative care does not mean that treatment is over. It should begin at diagnosis especially in life-threatening illnesses like cancer, focusing on pain relief, symptom control, and emotional support from the very start. He emphasized that palliative care must be multidisciplinary, involving doctors, nurses, psychologists, social workers, spiritual leaders, family, and community members.
In conclusion, Dr. Biswas described palliative care as “medical care with compassion”, calling on society to recognize and respond to the full spectrum of needs faced by patients and their families.
Other highlights of the programme included a song by the staff of St. Joseph Pain & Palliative Care Centre, Chümoukedima, choreography by students of SJPC, a video presentations by Sr. Jibitha MSJ and exhortation were given by Eden Hospital Senior Consultant, Palliative Medicine & Geriatric Medicine, EMC, Dr. N. Athiko, Headmistress of North Town Hr.Sec. School, Chümoukedima (Member Governing Body SJPC), Amongla, and Pastor NAP Baptist Church, Chümoukedima, Rev. A. Temsu.
Earlier the programme was chaired by Georgina Kikon, invocation by LBC Chümoukedima, pastor, NT. Lotha, welcome address by SJPC Adm. Sr. Teris MSJ, vote of thanks by Sr. Prerna MSJ and benediction by secretary Commission for Health, Diocese of Kohima, Rev. Fr. Chacko Karinthayil.