A three-day state-level training on pain and palliative care for nurses and physiotherapists has commenced in Kohima.
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DIMAPUR — A three-day state-level training on pain and palliative care for nurses and physiotherapists commenced at the conference hall of the Department of Health and Family Welfare (DHFW) in Kohima on Thursday.
Organised by the National Programme for Palliative Care (NPPC), the training from June 25 to the 27th features trainers from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi, and the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Jodhpur.
According to a DIPR report, a total of 47 nurses and physiotherapists are attending the programme.
Mission Director of National Health Mission (NHM), Dr. Keveduyi Theyo, in his keynote address, stated that the need for palliative care continues to grow as a result of the increase in the elderly population and the rising burden of non-communicable diseases and some communicable diseases. He added that these realities demand not only treating diseases but also relieving suffering, upholding dignity, and supporting families.
Dr. Theyo mentioned that the palliative care programme in Nagaland was initiated in 2017 to strengthen infrastructure, capacity building, drug availability, and awareness generation. He noted that the inclusion of palliative care in the Comprehensive Primary Health Care (CPHC) extended package of services is a major milestone, expanding access at community health centres, primary health centres, health and wellness centres, and sub-centres.
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The mission director added that capacity building is the backbone of a strong palliative care system, noting that quality service delivery cannot be achieved without a well-trained workforce. He said caregivers, including family members, ASHAs, ANMs, community health workers, and trained volunteers, serve as the primary link between patients and healthcare professionals.
Dr. Theyo also stated that structured training programmes for caregivers, alongside engaging religious institutions, social groups, and civil society, can create a sustainable, community-based palliative care approach. He highlighted the importance of pain and symptom management, engagement in service delivery, and conducting training at the district level to further build the capacity of healthcare providers under the NPPC.
Hospice and Palliative Care Nurse Specialist Hanife F Macgamwell, in her address, expressed gratitude to the state and remarked that the trainees are important, as some will become state trainers responsible for pain, symptom, and grief management. She added that palliative caregivers have an endless responsibility, especially in improving quality of life.
State Programme Officer of NPPC and Joint Director Dr. Imnapokim, who chaired the opening programme, encouraged district representatives to actively participate and work towards strengthening the implementation of palliative care services under the NPPC.
He added that capacity building is prioritised to ensure trained personnel are available to provide basic palliative care services in all government-approved districts and for its integration into the district healthcare delivery system. The NPPC plans to establish a dedicated palliative care unit in each district hospital.