Healthcare centres in Chümoukedima, Mokokchung, Mon, and Longleng observe World Hospice and Palliative Care Day.
DIMAPUR — Multiple healthcare institutions and district health societies across Nagaland observed World Hospice and Palliative Care Day on October 10 on the theme, “Pain management: An essential part of palliative care”.
Chümoukedima: At St. Joseph Pain and Palliative Care Centre (SJPPCC) in Chümoukedima, Additional Deputy Commissioner and Executive Officer T Lemlila Sangtam spoke as the special guest.
According to an update, she acknowledged the dioceses of Nagaland for their service and called for care, love, and compassion towards patients.
Lemlila said no one should have to suffer from preventable pain and pointed to the need to address what she described as a silent crisis, as access to such care does not reach many people. She observed that pain is complex and that fear and stigma prevent people from seeking relief.
Palliative care, she said, is not about giving up but about living as fully as possible, noting that comfort, dignity, and relief are the rights of every person.
She called for advocacy for policies supporting such care and for dignity until the end of life, while assuring full support from the district administration.
Dr. Tony Vikas Bishwas, Head of Department and Consultant of Palliative Medicine at CIHSR, stated that palliative care aims to improve the quality of life of patients with serious illness, covering their physical, psychological, social, and spiritual needs. He noted that many people wrongly believe palliative care is only about end-of-life care when it is also about living with comfort and without suffering.
He stated that pain is a preventable suffering, that there should be no barriers to pain relief, and that misconceptions about painkillers need to be addressed.
Georgina, Public Relations Officer of SJPPCC, presented a video on the centre's work and informed that a total of 123 patients have received care at the centre so far, with 14 patients currently residing there.
Dr. John Murry observed that empathy is lacking among Nagas and called for greater attention, care, and understanding of palliative care.
Mokokchung: In Mokokchung, the day was observed at the conference hall of IMDH.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. R Alemba Jamir, Senior Specialist at IMDH Mokokchung, maintained that pain is more than a physical sensation and that pain relief is not a luxury but an essential component of good healthcare and compassionate care.
Dr. Alemwabang Aier, Medical Superintendent of IMDH Mokokchung, called for support for the families of palliative patients, highlighted the role of the community, medical officers, and caregivers, and encouraged all health centres to get involved.
Addressing pain management, Dr. Maongtula Jamir, Junior Specialist at IMDH, highlighted that pain management is multidimensional, encompassing psychological, spiritual, social, and financial aspects alongside physical conditions. She discussed measures and steps essential in assessing types of pain, alongside the four common types of pain.
Mon: The District Health Society, Mon, observed the day by organising a healthcare visit to the John 3:16 Society Mon Senior Citizen Old Age Home, where 20 elderly women received medical attention and support.
The visiting medical team conducted general health check-ups, blood sugar testing, dental examinations, and mental health counselling.
P Hamkai Konyak, Director of the home, expressed gratitude for the continued support extended by doctors and nurses over the past six years since the establishment of the home.
He stated that the 20 elderly women currently residing at the home require regular check-ups and emotional support, requesting the medical team to consider visits once a month or as per departmental convenience.
District Programme Manager Moie Bonnie Konyak outlined the healthcare services being provided to the residents, pointing out the importance of addressing their medical and mental health needs.
Dr. Ngampa Konyak, Senior Medical Officer at District Hospital, Mon, stressed the importance of regular check-ups and encouraged residents to communicate their health concerns openly to caregivers. He also urged the home authorities to facilitate Aadhaar enrolment for all residents and stressed the importance of obtaining Ayushman cards to access healthcare benefits.
Longleng: In Longleng, the District Health Society observed the day at the District Hospital, Longleng.
Dr. Bongau Phom, Nodal Officer for the District Palliative Care Unit, highlighted the significance of palliative care in improving the quality of life of patients and families facing serious illness. He stressed the role of caregivers, including family members, ASHAs, ANMs, community health workers, and volunteers, calling for structured training and community participation.
Chief Medical Officer of Longleng, Dr. Thungchanpeni Patton, stated that the day unites people globally to mobilise support and compassionate care for children and adults living with life-threatening conditions such as cancer, heart diseases, chronic respiratory diseases, kidney failure, dementia, and chronic liver diseases.
She noted that non-health professionals, such as community volunteers, spiritual leaders, and cultural leaders, play an essential role when guided by professionals.
The CMO urged participants to create awareness and pointed out the need for governments, healthcare systems, communities, and individuals to work together to bridge gaps in pain relief, psychological support, and end-of-life care.