PACES 2023 HELD ON 23RD SEPTEMBER 2023 AT RGCIRC, NITI BAGH.

On the auspicious occasion of World Hospice Care Day, an event rooted in the spirit of the people, organized by the people, and dedicated to the people was held under the theme “Compassionate Communities: Together for Palliative Care.” This remarkable event, known as “PACES 2023” (Palliative and Compassionate Education Symposium 2023), was orchestrated by the dedicated team from the Department of Pain Management, Hospice Care, and Palliative Medicine at the Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre, Niti Bagh, on September 23rd.

The driving force behind this event was none other than the compassionate family members of those whom we have had the privilege to serve during their journey of care with us.

Prominent luminaries, including Mehta Ji, Sarika Ji, Aashtha Ji, Adish Ji, Tina Ji, Vaneeta Ji, Shruti Ji and others, graced us with their wisdom. They skillfully led discussions on various aspects of the care process, delving into topics such as the concept of total suffering, conflict resolution, the profound impact of symptom management, seamless integration with palliative care, the significance of transitioning to hospice care, and a plethora of other vital subjects.

The event was graced by esteemed dignitaries, Dr. Gowri Nambiar Sengupta (Deputy Director General, Public Health, and Director, Central Health Education Bureau, DGHS, MoHFW) and Mr. Anand Kumar, IAS (Chairman, RERA, Delhi), who participated as Chief Guests. Mr. Rakesh Chopra (Chairman, RGCI), Dr. A. K. Dr. Dewan (Director Surgical Oncology, RGCI), Dr. Gauri Kapoor (Medical Director, RGCIRC), Dr Vikalp Singh (Head Operations), Dr. Leena Dadhwal (Surgical Oncology) and Dr. Kapil Goyal (Medical Oncology) also enriched the event with their presence.

Furthermore, we were privileged to have Dr. Rohit Lahori (Nodal Officer, Palliative Care, Jammu and Kashmir, and J & K IAPC President) and Dr. Samarjit Dey (Professor and In Charge, Pain and Palliative Care Division, AIIMS, Manglagiri) as esteemed Guest Speakers.

Dr. Saurabh Joshi (Founder and Managing Partner, Hospice Education India LLP), our Mentor, graced the occasion with his valuable insights, providing expert guidance throughout the scientific program.

The event wouldn’t have been a resounding success without the exceptional dedication of our entire team, comprising doctors, nurses, and non-medical team members. A special mention goes to Dr. Vibhu Ranjan Sahni, Dr. Naina Kumar, and other outstanding contributors (Mr. Manoj Chauhan, Mr. Sachendra Bajpai, Ms. Pinky Bohara, Ghazala Sister, Gyanoshwari Sister, Sunil, Anil, Pratham, and all Niti Bagh staff) who shouldered significant responsibilities, ensuring the event’s seamless execution.

It’s worth noting the overwhelming enthusiasm and support received from the broader hospital community, including the front desk team, pharmacy, cytotoxic drug team, HR, finance, IT, radiology, and lab services, among others. Their active participation played a pivotal role in making this event an unequivocal triumph.