JAMMU, OCTOBER 9: World Hospice and Palliative Care Day was observed at Government Hospital Gandhinagar, Jammu, on Friday, with a focus on improving pain management and strengthening compassionate care for patients suffering from life-limiting illnesses.
The programme was organised under the guidance of Director Health Services Jammu, Dr. Poonam Sethi, and Deputy Director Health Services Jammu, Dr. Harbaksh Singh, under the supervision of Medical Superintendent Government Hospital Gandhinagar, Dr. Sanjay Arora.
Aligned with this year's theme, “Pain Management for Palliative Care Patients,” the event highlighted the importance of holistic healthcare, effective pain relief and improved access to specialised palliative care services across the region. More than 100 delegates, including medical officers and paramedical staff, participated in the programme.
Dr. Rohit Lahori, In-charge of Pain and Palliative Care at Government Hospital Jammu, delivered a detailed presentation on modern pain management strategies for palliative care patients. He emphasised the concept of “Total Pain Care”, explaining that effective palliative treatment must address not only physical pain but also the psychological, social and spiritual challenges faced by patients with serious illnesses.
Addressing the gathering as the chief guest, Dr. Poonam Sethi stressed the need to ensure the uninterrupted availability of essential opioid medicines at district hospitals to facilitate effective palliative care services.
She highlighted empathy and compassion as fundamental elements of patient-centred healthcare and urged medical professionals to combine clinical treatment with emotional support and human understanding.
Guest of Honour Dr. Harbaksh Singh emphasised the importance of early cancer screening and timely intervention in improving patient outcomes. He also called for regular and comprehensive palliative care training programmes for medical officers and paramedical personnel across Jammu and Kashmir to strengthen healthcare capacity at the grassroots level.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Sanjay Arora, Medical Superintendent of Government Hospital Gandhinagar, who expressed gratitude to the dignitaries, medical experts and participating delegates for their presence and contributions.
The event underscored the commitment of the health department and medical professionals towards expanding access to quality palliative care and ensuring dignity, comfort and compassionate support for patients and their families.
