Doctors must understand palliative care: Dr Chambo
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, December 19 2024: National Programme for Palliative Care, NHM, Manipur and State Cell organised a four-day clinical session for medical officer on palliative medicine at the conference hall of Department of Radiation Oncology, RIMS on Thursday.

The inaugural function was attended by RIMS director Prof G Sunil Sharma as chief guest, Health Services director Dr Chambo Gonmei as president and RIMS Radiation Oncology HoD Prof Y Sobita Devi and Institute of Palliative Medicine, Calicut WHO Collaborating Centre director Dr Suresh Kumar as guests of honour.

In his speech, Dr Chambo stressed the need for doctors to take extra care of bed-ridden and traumatised elderly patients, who have suffered strokes or are critically ill .

Recounting experiences during his time as MO in Tamenglong, he said that many patients bedridden at homes were identified by the district NCD nodal officer, medical officer and nurses and staff through the ASHA and Anganwadi workers.

Being in the hilly area, the movement was restricted but it was ensured that the bedridden patients received necessary medicines including for bed sores.

The patients also received psychological comfort.

As such, doctors need to understand the importance of palliative care treatment, he reiterated.

Dr Chambo continued that the treatment requires commitment and dedication.

Any hill area posting should not be considered as punishment but an opportunity to serve humanity, he contended.

RIMS director Prof G Sunil Sharma said that in most critical cases, patients are confined to their beds.

In this regard, the palliative care system is important in the sense that it would help the patients continue to maintain a positive outlook.

However, there is shortage of manpower for palliative care and as such, there is a need to increase the number of staff.

Palliative care should be given the most priority, he urged.

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