A two-day palliative care training program was organized for doctors and nursing officers on the occasion of World Cancer Day. The training, conducted on February 3-4, 2025, was jointly organized by NHM (CMHO Office, Bhopal) in coordination with AIIMS Bhopal. A total of 58 nursing officers participated on February 3, while 68 medical officers attended the session on February 4 from various healthcare facilities in and around Bhopal.
The event was graced by Madhya Pradesh's Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Public Health and Medical Education, Shri Rajendra Shukla, along with AIIMS Bhopal President Dr. Sunil Malik, AIIMS Bhopal Executive Director Prof. (Dr.) Ajai Singh, and Bhopal CMHO Dr. Prabhakar Tiwari. The primary objective of the training was to equip healthcare professionals with essential skills in pain management and palliative care for patients suffering from severe and incurable illnesses.
Speaking at the event, Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla underscored the significance of the training, stating, "This initiative on World Cancer Day is crucial in enhancing healthcare services. It will enable our doctors and nursing officers to provide better care and relieve the suffering of critically ill patients. We aim to ensure that our healthcare professionals are well-trained and equipped to offer quality treatment.
He also highlighted the recent successful heart transplant at AIIMS Bhopal, in which a heart from a brain-dead donor in Jabalpur was transplanted successfully. Additionally, he stressed the importance of early cancer detection and urged participants to maximize the resources provided by AIIMS Bhopal. He also emphasized the benefits of the Ayushman Bharat Scheme, encouraging beneficiaries to take full advantage of its provisions.
AIIMS Bhopal Leaders Highlight Holistic Cancer Care
AIIMS Bhopal President Dr. Sunil Malik remarked on the significance of February 4, World Cancer Day, stating that under the theme 'United by Unique,' the focus should be on collective support alongside medical treatment. He noted, "Palliative care is not just about medical intervention; it is about empathy, compassion, and dignity for patients." He also lauded the exceptional teamwork demonstrated by medical staff during the recent heart transplant at AIIMS Bhopal.
Executive Director Prof. (Dr.) Ajai Singh emphasized the crucial role of palliative care in healthcare systems, stating that it improves patients' quality of life while also offering vital emotional support to their families. He noted that this training will enable healthcare professionals to deliver more sensitive and effective care in complex cases.
Bhopal CMHO Dr. Prabhakar Tiwari highlighted that this training marks a significant step in strengthening healthcare services. He announced that provisions have been made in the budget for establishing Cancer Day Care Centers at every district level to improve cancer care facilities.
During the training program, Dr. Manish Gupta explained the integral role of palliative care alongside primary treatment for terminally ill patients. The program covered various aspects of palliative care, including the importance of Tab Morphine in pain management. A dedicated team comprising Dr. Vaishali, Dr. Bharti Pandya, Dr. Anuj Jain, Dr. Harish, Dr. Vipin, Dr. Sukumar, and a psychologist conducted the training sessions successfully.
This initiative marks a significant advancement in palliative care services, ensuring that healthcare professionals are better equipped to handle critical and terminal illnesses with compassion and expertise.