State-level ToT on Palliative Care for Medical Officers

A three-day State Training of Trainers (ToT) in Palliative Care for Medical Officers, organised by the National Programme for Palliative Care (NPPC) under the Department of Health & Family Welfare (DHFW), commenced on September 2 at the Directorate Conference Hall, Kohima.
According to DIPR report, joint director and State Programme Officer (NPPC), Dr. Chikrozho Kezo, welcomed dignitaries, resource persons and participants in his opening remarks, and encouraged district representatives to actively engage in the training to strengthen palliative care services across Nagaland.
Delivering the keynote address, Principal Director, DHFW, Dr. Mereninla Senlem, highlighted the growing need for palliative care in view of the rising elderly population and increasing burden of non-communicable and communicable diseases. She stated that palliative care enhances the quality of life for patients and their families facing life-threatening illnesses—physically, psychologically, socially and spiritually.
Dr. Senlem noted that only 14% of those in need currently receive palliative care, and stressed that over 80% of such care can be effectively delivered at home with proper training and support systems. She added that home-based care is more cost-effective and improves quality of life by reducing unnecessary hospital admissions. She further called for prioritising NPPC implementation in all districts, with emphasis on pain and symptom management and the role of interdisciplinary teams in delivering holistic care.
State Programme Officer, NHM, Dr. Keveduyi Theyo, in his address, informed that NPPC was launched in 2012 and integrated into the National Health Mission. The programme was initiated in Nagaland in 2017 and focuses on infrastructure development, capacity building, drug availability and awareness generation. He underscored that capacity building is central to a robust palliative care system, and that strengthening services at Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs), Primary Health Centres (PHCs), and Community Health Centres (CHCs) is vital to bring care closer to patients. He also advocated for structured caregiver training and community-based approaches involving religious institutions, civil society and social groups.
A special address was delivered by Dr. Obangjungla, Executive Member of the Indian Association of Palliative Care (IAPC) and North East India Representative.
Resource persons for the training include Dr. Kikato Chishi (Oncology Department, NHAK Kohima), Dr. Nepuni Athikho (Consultant, Family Medicine & Geriatric Health, Eden Hospital), Dr. Tony Vikas Bishwas (HoD & Consultant, Palliative Medicine, CIHSR), and Ethungbemo Ezung (Drug Control Officer, DHFW).
The training will cover key topics in palliative care and aims to build district-level capacity for improved service delivery under NPPC.