Srinagar 31, 2024: A day-long CME on Palliative Care on the occasion of World Hospice & Palliative Care ” was organized today by the Pain & Palliative Care Unit, Department of Radiation Oncology, SKIMS.
The event witnessed various scientific sessions besides panel discussion and patient & families interaction. A short film was also shown focussing on various services rendered by the Pain & Palliative Care Unit at SKIMS.
The scientific sessions deliberated on vital and critical topics including Evolution of Palliative Care -Reflecting on the present by Dr. Shaqul Qamar Wani Additional Professor Radiation Oncology SKIMS, Art of Palliative Care by Prof. Shad Salim Akhtar, Interventional Pain Management in Cancer Patients by Dr. Zulfiqar Ali Additional Prof. Anesthesiology SKIMS, Palliative Care in Oncology by Prof. Nazir Ahmad Khan former HOD, Radiation Oncology SKIMS & Chairman CSK Srinagar.
The event was inaugurated in presence of Director SKIMS / EOSG Prof. M Ashraf Ganie who was Chief Host of the event. Director SKIMS congratulated the department for rendering excellent services in patient care academics. He said the academic programs serve a greater purpose to create awareness and exchange scientific knowledge. He said through pain & palliative care the quality of the terminally ill patients has improved and advised doctors/ staff of the SKIMS to make patient friendly and empathetic hospital.
SKIMS has to play a leading role and emphasised on adopting collaborative approach to facilitate & widen scope of services, he added. He assured full support to the department and asked the faculty to rope in various agencies for grant explore avenues that are available for such services. Director SKIMS also urged the government to establish Pain & Palliative Centres at District Hospitals to help these terminally ill patients.
Prof. Ashraf while referring to various initiatives to improve Cancer Care facilities said that Cancer Consortium has been established at SKIMS where all the Oncology Departments will work under one Umbrella. Day Care Services will be available in the State Cancer Institute which will be inaugurated soon besides, a dedicated MRI & theatre complex will be established.
Former Director Dr. Showkat A Zargar who graced the occasion as Chief Guest recalled the contributions of various faculty heads in the establishment of Pain & Palliative Services. He lauded the dynamic leadership of Prof. Ashraf Game and said he will take SKIMS to new heights. Dr. Zargar urged for sustained campaign to make people aware about palliative services and said that palliative care is not limited to Cancer but covers wide canvass of diseases and terminally sick patients deserve quality life.
Former HOD & Principal SKIMS MC Prof. Mohd Yaqoob Kharadi graced the occasion as guest of honour. Prof. Kharadi & underscored the importance of Pain & Palliative Care.
Dean Medical Faculty SKIMS Prof. Shariq R Madoodi in his address said that academic vibrancy of SKIMS can be measured through these various academic activities and SKIMS is proud to host these awareness programs aimed to enhance patient care services.
Head & Organising Chairman of the event Dr. Shaqul Qamar Wani highlight the activities of the department and various services rendered to the patients. She thanked the administration for the support and thanked all the dignitaries for gracing the occasion.
The various experts present on occasion stressed for upgradation of Pain & Palliative services underlined that Palliative Care has a major role and sustained campaigns are needed to make patients aware about these facilities.
Dr, Kanees Fatima Associate Prof.Radiation Oncology delivered a vote of thanks, expressed gratitude to all Guests and Delegates. Dr Mushtaq Ahmed Sofi Assistant Professor Radiation Oncology concluded the event with concluding remarks and thanked all participants for joining the CME to make it a successful event.
