St. Joseph Palliative Care Centre, Chumoukedima commemorated Palliative Day on October 14 2023 by highlighting on the significance of palliative care, especially in the context of Naga society.
On the occasion, head of the Palliative Care Department at CIHSR, Nagaland, Dr. Tony Vikas Bishwas emphasized the vital difference between home care and professional palliative care. According to Dr. Bishwas, patients in palliative care facilities not only receive professional medical attention but also have access to free medicines. Secretary for Health Commision, Diocese of Kohima, Fr. Chacko spoke about the facility’s open-door policy. He touched upon the cultural hesitancy in Naga society regarding accepting palliative care, stemming from sentimental attachments and denial of severe health conditions. MD in Palliative Medicine, currently on deputation to Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK), Dr. Kikato V Vhishi, addressed the subject of “end of Lifecare”. Dr. Chishi described palliative care as a holistic approach to treatment.
