Palliative Care 2008 | Photo: Prasiit Sthapit
Manipal: “Though starting a MD programme will require clearances from various regulatory bodies, a certificate course in Palliative care is in the offing as Manipal University takes a step toward encouraging Palliative medicine in medical education,” said Pro-Chancellor Manipal University, Dr. HS Ballal at a function held at Hotel Valley View International. The function was a part of Palliative Care – 2008, a Continuing Medical Education (CME) on Palliative medicine.
“All of us present here have to die one day. The quality of life matters and pain is an important issue,” he added.
Dean, KMC Manipal, Dr P Sripathi Rao supported the step saying, “There are lacunae in the medical curriculum as there are no lectures on Palliative medicine and medical ethics incorporated. KMC has taken steps to embed such lectures for its students. Management of patients and breaking news to their relatives is an essential component of medical practice.”
Dr. Linda Emanuel from the Education in Palliative and End-of-Life Care (EPEC) Project was the Guest of honour. She, along with Chairman, Pallium India, Dr MR Rajagopal, guided the CME delegates through the four day course.
“We indeed are at a new beginning. The values that embody the EPEC Project will be reborn in India. As Manipal University’s tagline says, there is now inspiration for life and of life for our patients who are in need of a transformation,” said Dr. Emanuel. The CME featured a 21-strong faculty from all over India and abroad.
The ceremony also saw CEO, Manipal Foundation, Balachandran Warrier donating Rs. 1.5 lakh toward the CME to Coordinator, Palliative Care – ’08, MS Vidyasagar who accepted the amount quoting the infancy of Palliative care in India and the dire need for funds for furthering the reach of Palliative medicine.
Dean, KMC Mangalore, Dr. Raghuveer donated an amount of Rs. 3 lakh toward the Manipal Foundation to CEO, Balachandran Warrier. “We are obsessed with finding cures. We must realise that comforting and consoling comes before curing,” said Dr. Raghuveer.
The CME dealt with topics such as HIV/AIDS, paediatrics, depression, loss and bereavement, and advancing palliative care in India. The CME was jointly organised by Manipal University, Manipal; EPEC-India; Pallium India; Northwestern University, Chicago and Livestrong Foundation.
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