LG Sinha to inaugurate 32nd IAPCON at AIIMS Jammu today
Jammu, Jan 30: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha will inaugurate 32nd International Conference of the Indian Association of Palliative Care (IAPCON-2025) tomorrow at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Vijaypur, Jammu.
Opening session of 3-day conference to be inaugurated by LG Sinha will begin at the Convention Centre, AIIMS Jammu at 5 pm.
In this connection, AIIMS, Vijaypur, Jammu, hosted a series of groundbreaking pre-conference workshops ahead of the 32nd International Conference of the Indian Association of Palliative Care on Thursday.
IAPCON 2025 is scheduled to take place at AIIMS, Vijaypur, Jammu, from January 31 to February 2, 2025. This prestigious event, as per an AIIMS Jammu spokesperson, will serve as a global platform, bringing together over 700 national and international delegates, including leading experts, dignitaries, and healthcare professionals from India and abroad.
The conference will host more than 20 eminent international faculty members in palliative care, representing countries such as the United Kingdom, United States of America, Germany, Canada, Australia, Kenya, and Sri Lanka. This landmark event aims to foster advancements and innovations in palliative care, enhancing the quality of life for patients and families facing life-limiting illnesses.
“IAPCON 2025, being themed ‘Evidence-Based Palliative Care,’ has meticulously planned sessions to reflect this focus, ensuring they are rooted in the latest research, clinical evidence, and best practices. The goal is to provide delegates with actionable insights and tools to enhance the quality and effectiveness of palliative care delivery,” the spokesperson said.
The Executive Director and CEO of AIIMS Jammu Prof (Dr) Dr Shakti Kumar Gupta emphasised the importance of palliative care and expressed pride in AIIMS Jammu hosting such a prestigious international-level conference.
Palliative care is a specialized form of medical care focused on improving the quality of life for individuals with incurable or life-limiting illnesses. It aims to provide relief from pain, symptoms, and emotional distress, addressing the physical, psychological, social, and spiritual needs of patients and their families.
The workshops, led by internationally and nationally renowned experts, addressed critical areas of palliative care, including Basic and Advanced Communication Skills, Nursing Processes and the 6 Cs of Palliative Care, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and Home-Based Palliative Care.
These sessions, spokesperson said, offered hands-on learning, equipping delegates with practical skills to improve patient care.
The inaugural day of IAPCON 2025 is poised to begin with a grand opening ceremony followed by thought-provoking plenaries. Dr Naveen Salins will lead the discussion on “Shaping the Future of Palliative Care Research in India,” while Dr Sushma Bhatnagar will focus on “Reaching Every Patient Who Needs Palliative Care in India.” These sessions will highlight the critical need for accessibility and innovation in delivering palliative care.
Scientific sessions will cover key topics such as Psychosocial Interventions in Palliative Care and Ethical Dilemmas in Withdrawal of Care, featuring renowned experts like Dr Seema Rao and Dr Raj Kumar Mani. Post-lunch sessions will witness a quiz competition, an engaging “Meet the Expert” session, and discussions on the integration of AI in Palliative Care and advancements in emerging cancer therapies.
The day will conclude with a practical session titled “How I Do It?” showcasing demonstrations on safe opioid use, effective media communication, and resolving ethical dilemmas. The second day will emphasize interdisciplinary collaboration and global perspectives in palliative care. Plenary sessions by international experts Dr Megan Doherty and Dr Frank Ferris will explore integrating palliative care into primary care and strengthening global collaboration to enhance patient outcomes.
Spokesperson said that hands-on practical sessions on yoga, music therapy, and evidence-based approaches will offer diverse learning opportunities. Poster presentations will encourage knowledge-sharing and inspire innovation.
The day will culminate with the annual general body meeting, fostering reflection on progress and charting the future direction of palliative care.
The last day of the conference will put a spotlight on the vital role of nurses in palliative care, with sessions addressing delirium management, chemo-radiation, and geriatric assessments. A special focus will be on palliative care in Jammu & Kashmir, with local healthcare professionals sharing insights on region-specific interventions.
The Indian Association of Palliative Care Jammu and Kashmir state branch and the Department of Anaesthesia of AIIMS Jammu have played a key role in organizing this event.
The faculty members from AIIMS Jammu contributing to the conference include Dr Sunana Gupta, Dr Shruti Gupta, Dr Raksha Kundal, Dr Sandeepika Dogra, Dr Kanika Gupta and Dr Aymeen Khan.