Patna : The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Patna, observed World Hospice and Palliative Care Day 2026 on Saturday with awareness activities and academic discussions highlighting the importance of compassionate care for people living with serious and life-limiting illnesses.
Organised by the Department of Anaesthesiology, Pain Medicine and Critical Care, the programme included a walkathon, a street play and academic sessions focused on pain relief, symptom management and holistic patient support.
The activities emphasised that palliative care goes beyond treating a disease. It also addresses patients’ physical, psychological and emotional needs while providing support to their families.
Walkathon And Street Play Promote Palliative Care Awareness
The walkathon and street play were organised to improve public understanding of palliative care and its role in healthcare.
The academic discussions highlighted how appropriate symptom management and pain relief can improve the quality of life of patients with serious illnesses.
The programme also stressed the importance of providing patients with dignity, comfort and emotional support throughout their illness, alongside necessary medical treatment.
Senior AIIMS Patna Officials Attend Programme
The event was attended by AIIMS Patna Executive Director and CEO Prof. (Brig.) Dr Raju Agarwal.
Other attendees included Dean (Academics) Prof. Dr Punam Prasad Bhadani, Dean (Research) Prof. Dr Sanjay Pandey, Medical Superintendent Prof. Dr Prashant Kumar Singh, Prof. Dr Umesh Kumar Bhadani and Head of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Prof. Dr Sanjay Kumar Pandey.
Faculty members and healthcare professionals from the institute also participated in the observance.
Department Faculty And Nursing Staff Contribute
The programme was led by Dr Chandni Sinha, Rajnish Kumar and Dr Rajesh Kumar from the Department of Anaesthesiology, Pain Medicine and Critical Care.
Other faculty members who participated included Dr Ajeet Kumar, Dr Amarjeet Kumar, Dr Kunal, Dr Abhyuday, Dr Poonam and Dr Shashi Kant.
Nursing staff members, including Nursing Officers Rathish, Lima and Shipra, also contributed to the programme.
AIIMS Patna Has Provided Palliative Care For A Decade
AIIMS Patna said it has been providing palliative care services for the past 10 years, reflecting its focus on relieving suffering and improving the quality of life of patients with serious illnesses.
The institute has a dedicated inpatient palliative care ward to provide specialised support according to patients’ clinical needs.
It also makes oral morphine available for pain relief under appropriate medical supervision, helping address the needs of patients experiencing moderate to severe pain.
Focus On Dignity, Comfort And Quality Of Life
The observance highlighted the importance of integrating palliative care into the broader healthcare system so that patients receive support beyond disease-focused treatment.
Palliative care aims to relieve suffering, manage symptoms and support patients and their families through the physical and emotional challenges associated with serious illness.
Through the annual observance and its continuing clinical services, AIIMS Patna reiterated its commitment to comprehensive, compassionate and patient-centred healthcare, with an emphasis on preserving dignity and improving quality of life.
