DIMAPUR: A three-day state-level training on Pain and Palliative Care for nurses and physiotherapists under the National Programme for Palliative Care (NPPC) commenced on June 25 at the Conference Hall, Directorate of Health and Family Welfare (DHFW), Kohima. The training will continue till June 27, with trainers from Hospice & Palliative Care Specialist, AIMS Delhi and AIMS Jodhpur. A total of 47 participants are attending the programme.
In a press release from the Directorate of Health & Family Welfare Nagaland, IEC Bureau, stated that Mission Director, NHM, Dr. Keveduyi Theyo in his keynote address highlighted the growing need for palliative care due to the rising elderly population and increasing burden of non-communicable and communicable diseases. He stressed the importance of relieving suffering, upholding dignity, and supporting families.
He also emphasised the role of caregivers, including family members, ASHAs, ANMs, community health workers, and volunteers, and called for structured training and community participation to strengthen palliative care services.
The NPPC focused on infrastructure development, capacity building, drug availability, and awareness. The programme has been integrated into Comprehensive Primary Health Care services, expanding access across CHCs, PHCs, HWCs and sub-centres.
Speaking at the programme, Hanife F. Macgamwell, Hospice and Palliative Care Nurse Specialist, said the training would help develop state trainers responsible for pain, symptom, and grief management.
Palliative care programme in Nagaland could not progress much due to inadequate training of dedicated staff for palliative care services, frequent change in programme officers, inadequate manpower and space constraint to set up palliative care unit in DHs.
During 2018-19, 2019-20 funds were provided to palliative care unit in NHAK Kohima and CIHSR Dimapur as operational expenses for office expenses and procurement of drugs. In 2024-2025, 4 districts were approved (Tuensang, Kiphire, Zunheboto, Wokha) and in 2025-2026, 5 districts were approved (Mokokchung, Peren, Longleng, Phek, Mon).
Various training initiatives have been conducted, including online programmes under Pallium India, training of medical officers in 2025 and district-level training for PHC nurses in 2026.
The programme was chaired by joint director SPO (NPPC), Dr. Imnapokim.
