Srinagar, Nov 17 (KNO): The Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar on Mondays organised a major Continuous Medical Education (CME) programme, aimed at strengthening equitable access to palliative care across Jammu & Kashmir.
The event, themed “Palliative Care Update: From Planning to Access — Ensuring Equity for Our Community,” brought together some of India’s leading voices in palliative medicine, marking a significant step toward enhancing end-of-life and supportive care services in the region.
Hosted by the Department of Anaesthesiology, Critical Care, Pain and Palliative Medicine, the CME, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), sought to build stronger interdisciplinary cooperation within the healthcare sector while simultaneously raising public awareness about the critical services delivered by GMC Srinagar’s palliative care unit.
The event was conducted under the patronage of Principal GMC Srinagar, Dr. Iffat Hassan Shah and saw Dr. Sachidananda Mohantay, Director AIIMS Awantipora, attend as the Chief Guest. The programme was spearheaded by Dr. Hina Bashir Shah (Organising Chairperson) and Dr. Nusrat Jehan (Organising Secretary), with support from Dr. Arshi Taj and Dr. Mubasher Ahmad.
A distinguished panel of national faculty enriched the sessions with their expertise, including globally acclaimed palliative care specialist Dr. Sushma Bhatnagar, along with Dr. Vidya Vishwanathan, Dr. Santosh Chaturvedi, Dr. Savita Batola, Dr. Nahida Yousaf and Miss Tabinda Wani.
One of the key highlights of the programme was a dedicated communication skills workshop, an essential component of quality palliative care delivery.
The workshop focused on building empathy, clarity, and sensitivity while interacting with patients and their families, especially those coping with life-limiting illnesses.
It was led by national expert Dr. Santosh Chaturvedi, supported by co-facilitators Dr. Shahina Parveen, Dr. Abdul Hakeem, and Dr. Basharat Ahmad.
The CME covered a wide range of contemporary topics, including updates in palliative medicine, strategies to improve access, and the need for early integration of palliative care into treatment plans. Speakers emphasized that quality palliative care is not limited to end-of-life support but plays a crucial role throughout the course of serious illness.
“Palliative care is a fundamental human right, and this CME is a vital step toward ensuring these services reach every individual who needs them. Strengthening communication and compassion in healthcare interactions adds immense value to holistic patient care,” said one of the organisers.
The Department of Anaesthesiology, Critical Care, Pain and Palliative Medicine at GMC Srinagar reaffirmed its commitment to improving the quality of life for patients and families through medical education, specialised services, and community outreach. The institution said it will continue taking initiatives that build capacity among healthcare professionals and expand access to compassionate, patient-centered palliative care across the region—(KNO)