National Programme for Palliative Care (NPPC) organised a State level Training on Pain and Palliative Care on June 25 for Nurses and Physiotherapists. The training is being held at Conference Hall, Department of Health and Family Welfare, (DHFW) Kohima for three days from June 25 to 27 with trainers from Hospice & Palliative Care Specialist, AIIMS Delhi and AIIMS Jodhpur. Altogether there were 47 nurses and Physiotherapist who attended the training.
Mission Director NHM, Dr. Keveduyi Theyo in his keynote address stated that the need for palliative care continues to grow as a result of increase in number of the elderly population and the rising burden of non-communicable diseases and some communicable diseases. These realities demand that they not only treat diseases but also relieve suffering, uphold dignity and support families.
Theyo mentioned that the Palliative care programme in Nagaland was initiated during 2017 and the program envisages strengthening of infrastructure, capacity building, drug availability and awareness generation. The inclusion of Palliative care in the Comprehensive Primary Health Care (CPHC) extended package of services is a major milestone, expanding the access at CHCs, PHCs, and HWCs, SCs.
The Mission Director also added that capacity building is the backbone of a strong Palliative Care System and without a well-trained workforce, quality service delivery cannot be achieved. Caregivers (family members, ASHAs, ANMs, community health workers, and trained volunteers) serve as the primary link between patients and healthcare professionals.
Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play
Theyo also said that structured training programs for caregivers in palliative care, engaging religious institutions, social groups, and civil society can create sustainable community based palliative care approach. He emphasized on the importance of pain and symptom management, engagement in service delivery and conducting trainings at the district level to further build the capacity of healthcare providers under NPPC.
Hanife F Macgamwell, Hospice & Palliative Care Nurse Specialist in her special address expressed gratitude to the State and she said that all the trainees are important and through this training some will become State Trainers and will become responsible for pain management, symptom management and grief management. Palliative care givers have an endless responsibility especially in improving the quality of life.
Dr Imnapokim, Jt. Director SPO (NPPC) chaired the opening program and felicitated the guest trainers for the training. In his opening statement he welcomed all the dignitaries, experts and participants. He encouraged all District representatives to actively participate in the Training and work towards strengthening the implementation of palliative care services under NPPC.
He also added that capacity building is prioritized to ensure that trained personnel are available to provide basic palliative care services in all the government approved districts and its integration into district healthcare delivery system. NPPC plans to have a dedicated palliative care unit in each district hospital, ensuring that no patient is left behind.
