Palliative care is not merely end-of-life care but should begin from the diagnosis and continue through the treatment process

Cancer Hospital, ICMC Shimla Hosts Workshop on Palliative Care

Shimla, December 19, 2024 –

The Department of Radiation Therapy and Oncology at Cancer Hospital, ICMC Shimla, recently hosted a successful workshop on palliative care, with over 60 participants attending the event. The workshop was inaugurated by Dr. Sita Thakur, Principal of ICMC Shimla, who highlighted the critical need for palliative care services in Himachal Pradesh. Due to the hilly terrain and difficulties patients face in accessing hospital care during terminal illness, Dr. Thakur emphasized the necessity for home-based care involving physicians, social workers, and nurses.

During the workshop, Dr. Manish Gupta, Professor and Head of the Department of Radiotherapy, stressed the importance of treating every patient with empathy and attentively listening to their concerns to effectively address their needs.

Professor Ajay Sood, Professor of Anesthesia, echoed the importance of listening, pointing out the decreasing focus on this fundamental aspect of patient care, which can compromise patient-doctor rapport.

Dr. Vinay Somia, Pain and Palliative Care Physician, advocated for the implementation of policies that would make IGMC a pain-free hospital and push for an end-of-care policy in Himachal Pradesh. This would give patients the right to make critical decisions about their care, such as opting for “Do Not Resuscitate” (DNR) status.

Dr. RS Negi, Professor of Pulmonary Medicine, addressed the appropriate use of oxygen therapy, emphasizing the use of ideal masks and the role of opioids in managing breathlessness, as not all breathless patients require oxygen.

In closing, Dr. Vikas Fotedar, while thanking the participants, Principal Dr. Sita Thakur, and Senior MS Dr. Rao, emphasized the urgent need for a pharmacist in the department to manage chemotherapeutic agents and opioids, particularly morphine for palliative care patients.

The workshop underscored that palliative care is not merely end-of-life care but should begin from the diagnosis and continue through the treatment process. It is essential for ensuring comfort for patients, even in their final moments, and supporting the family’s bereavement.