IGMC Shimla Hosts Palliative Care Workshop to Enhance End-of-Life Support

Shimla, December 19, 2024 – The Cancer Hospital at IGMC Shimla hosted an insightful workshop focused on palliative care, drawing over 60 participants, including healthcare professionals and students. The event aimed to raise awareness and improve the quality of care for terminally ill patients, particularly in the context of Himachal Pradesh’s challenging geographical landscape.

The workshop was inaugurated by Dr. Sita Thakur, Principal of IGMC Shimla, who highlighted the growing need for palliative care services in the state. She noted the difficulties patients face in accessing medical care due to the region’s hilly terrain and the importance of home-based care, which includes support from physicians, nurses, and social workers to manage pain and provide emotional support.

Keynote speaker Dr. Manish Gupta, Professor and Head of the Department of Radiotherapy, stressed the importance of treating patients with empathy. He encouraged attendees to prioritize listening to patients’ concerns as an essential aspect of providing effective care.

Professor Ajay Sood, from the Department of Anesthesia, reinforced this message, emphasizing the significance of active listening in maintaining strong patient-doctor relationships and ensuring the best outcomes for those receiving palliative care.

Dr. Vinay Somia, a Pain and Palliative Care Physician, advocated for the establishment of policies to make IGMC Shimla a “pain-free hospital.” He also called for the introduction of an end-of-care policy in the state, empowering patients to make critical decisions about their care, such as opting for a “Do Not Resuscitate” (DNR) order.

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In his session, Dr. RS Negi, Professor of Pulmonary Medicine, discussed the proper use of oxygen therapy and the role of opioids in managing breathlessness. He emphasized that not all patients suffering from breathlessness require oxygen and highlighted the importance of personalized care.

The workshop concluded with Dr. Vikas Fotedar thanking the participants, Principal Dr. Sita Thakur, and Senior MS Dr. Rao. He stressed the urgent need for a dedicated pharmacist in the department to manage chemotherapeutic agents and opioids, such as morphine, for palliative care patients.

The workshop concluded with a reminder that palliative care is not just for end-of-life patients but should begin at the time of diagnosis and continue through treatment. This comprehensive approach ensures that patients are comfortable during their illness and that their families are supported through the emotional challenges of caregiving and bereavement.