SAMBA, Jan 31: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha opened the 32nd International Conference of the Indian Association of Palliative Care (IAPC) at AIIMS Jammu.
Over 800 delegates, both national and international, are expected to participate in discussions aimed at promoting progress and innovation in palliative care to enhance the quality of life for patients with terminal illnesses. This three-day conference is organized by the IAPC J&K Chapter and AIIMS, Jammu.
In his keynote speech, the Lieutenant Governor encouraged experts to keep their Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs) updated and to be more responsive to the needs of individuals facing life-threatening diseases, as well as ensuring the well-being of families by alleviating pain, suffering, and providing spiritual support.
The Lieutenant Governor also urged the private sector to collaborate with the administration to establish Palliative care centers in underdeveloped and remote areas.
“In J&K, the administration established 10-bed state-of-the-art Palliative and Geriatric Care Wards in all districts in 2022. We have made efforts to narrow the urban-rural divide to some extent. Our goal is to provide both medical and psychological support at people’s doorsteps,” he stated.
He emphasized that all experts and the Indian Association of Palliative Care should collaborate to encourage multi-sectoral partnerships to create a trained caregiver workforce.
“In Palliative care, healthcare systems and professionals have an ethical obligation to lessen the pain and suffering of patients. In addition to adopting an innovative approach to pain management, healthcare professionals at all levels must receive training to ensure continuity of care for these patients,” the Lieutenant Governor remarked.
He offered valuable recommendations for the seamless integration of curative and palliative care within the healthcare ecosystem. He suggested that uniform SoPs be created to raise community awareness about palliative support and pain management at the district level.
The palliative care system is continuously evolving, and we must develop a strategic framework, SoPs, and ensure their effective implementation, he added.
The Lieutenant Governor further pointed out the need to address deficiencies in healthcare services and specialized care for the aging population.
“By 2050, 20.8% of India’s total population will be over 60 years of age. This increase in the elderly demographic necessitates the development of a robust care economy to ensure that our seniors can live healthy, dignified, and fulfilling lives,” he stated.
He also proposed the creation of a comprehensive healthcare package that encompasses regular check-ups, geriatric care, mental health support, and palliative care.
During the event, the Lieutenant Governor inaugurated the Radiotherapy Oncology and Operation Theatre Complex at AIIMS Jammu. He also launched the AIIMS Pain Policy and praised AIIMS Jammu’s vision of pain-free patient care.
He commended the Indian Association of Palliative Care for its pivotal role in expanding specialized care grounded in the principles of palliative care.
Meanwhile, the Lieutenant Governor toured various blocks at AIIMS Jammu and engaged with medical personnel. He also launched the Standard Operating Procedures for the Department of Anaesthesiology and the Patient Information Booklet for Chemotherapy.
The establishment of the Radiotherapy Oncology facility at AIIMS Jammu is expected to minimize the need for patients to travel long distances for radiation therapy, ensuring timely diagnosis and treatment within the region. This service will cater to the growing number of cancer patients, providing advanced radiotherapy techniques, personalized treatment plans, and multidisciplinary care. Additionally, the Hospital-Based Cancer Registry, part of ICMR’s National Cancer Data Project, has been initiated, which will further assist in developing effective cancer care operations and strategies.
The Operation Theatre Complex features eight advanced operating theatres at AIIMS Jammu, including four integrated OTs with live surgical broadcasting for real-time medical training, and one hybrid OT equipped with rotary MRI and CT scan technology for complex procedures such as transplants and cochlear implants. The OT facility is designed with high-definition audio-visual systems for increased precision and learning, along with a modular design that ensures flexibility and efficiency in surgical procedures.
Dr. Shakti Kumar Gupta, Executive Director & CEO of AIIMS Jammu; Prof. Sushma Bhatnagar, President of the Indian Association of Palliative Care; Dr. Rohit Lahori, President of IAPC J&K Chapter; Dr. Sunana Gupta, Organizing Secretary; senior officials, experts, members of IAPC, and medical professionals were present.
