Jammu, Feb 2: A three-day international conference organized by the Indian Association of Palliative Care (IAPC) concluded on Sunday, drawing participation from over 800 delegates, doctors, and volunteers worldwide, marking it as one of the largest health events in Jammu and Kashmir. This gathering fostered significant dialogue and collaboration between Indian and international experts, laying the groundwork for future partnerships and knowledge exchange, officials stated.
“The 32nd international conference of the Indian Association of Palliative Care has wrapped up, leaving a profound impact on palliative care in India, especially in J&K. The event was organized by IAPC’s J&K chapter in collaboration with AIIMS,” said Dr. Rohit Lahori, President of the J&K chapter of IAPC.
He emphasized that this was the first major conference of its kind in Jammu and Kashmir, welcoming over 800 participants from around the globe.
The event was inaugurated by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha at AIIMS in the Vijaypur area of Samba district and was overseen by Dr. Sushma Bhatnagar, the National President of IAPC.
Dr. Lahori noted that for the first time in IAPCON history, 285 presentations were made by doctors, paramedics, and volunteers, including both oral and poster formats.
IAPC also presented a gold medal to the top-performing doctor and paramedic.
The conference emphasized evidence-based practices and highlighted the importance of integrating research into clinical applications in palliative care.
“This event facilitated meaningful exchanges among experts, setting the stage for ongoing collaboration and knowledge sharing,” stated Dr. Lahori.
The conference served as a vital platform for healthcare professionals to enhance their expertise in palliative care, thus improving patient outcomes, he added.
Addressing policy implications, Dr. Lahori pointed out that IAPCON 25 highlighted the urgent need for policy reforms and advocacy to bolster palliative care services in India.
“IAPCON 25 has marked the beginning of a new chapter in palliative care in India, emphasizing evidence-based practices, international collaboration, and capacity building,” he remarked.
He further noted, “This conference has reinforced the significance of policy advocacy and community involvement in advancing palliative care services.”
Discussing the future agenda for IAPC, Dr. Lahori stated, “Building on the momentum from IAPCON 25, we remain dedicated to progressing the field of palliative care in India and are eager for continued collaboration, innovation, and advancement in the years ahead.” The conference featured 800 delegates, including 50 international faculty members from 20 countries, 103 scientific sessions, 8 plenary lectures, and 14 pre-conference workshops focused on various facets of palliative care across different medical institutions in Jammu.
Dr. Lahori described IAPCON 25 as a transformative event, with delegates expressing appreciation for the organizing team’s warm hospitality and acknowledging the restored peace in Jammu and Kashmir, which is expected to foster future international medical events.
The President of the J&K chapter and the organizing secretary expressed their gratitude to all delegates and faculty members for their support in ensuring the conference’s success. They also thanked Dr. Shakti Gupta, Director of AIIMS Jammu, for his unwavering support throughout the planning and execution of the event. (Agencies)
