Samba: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday pitched for multi-sectoral partnerships between professionals for training human resource for palliative care. Sinha made this suggestion as he inaugurated the 32nd International Conference of the Indian Association of Palliative Care (IAPC), at AIIMS Jammu.
More than 800 national and international delegates will join deliberations to foster advancements and innovations in palliative care for quality of life for patients diagnosed with terminal illness. The three-day conference is being organised by IAPC J&K Chapter and AIIMS, Jammu.
According to an official press release, in his keynote address, the LG exhorted the experts to keep Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs) up-to-date and be more sensitive towards the needs of individuals diagnosed with life-threatening diseases, well-being of families, alleviate pain and suffering and provide spiritual support.
The LG asked the private sector to work with the administration to set up palliative care centres in backward and remote areas.
“In J&K, the administration in 2022 had set up 10-bed state-of-the-art Palliative and Geriatric Care wards in all the districts. We have tried to bridge urban-rural divide to a certain extent. Our aim is to deliver medical and psychological support at people’s doorstep,” he said.
The LG emphasised that all the experts and the Indian Association of Palliative Care should work together to promote multi-sectoral partnerships so that a human resource pool of trained care-givers is made available.
“In palliative care, the health ecosystem and healthcare professionals have a moral responsibility to reduce the pain and suffering of patients. Apart from adopting innovative approaches to pain management, health care professionals at all levels should be given training for continuity in the care of such patients,” the LG said.
The LG made suggestions for seamless integration of curative care and palliative care in the health ecosystem. He suggested that uniform SoPs may be prepared for community awareness, palliative support and pain management at the district level.
Palliative care system is constantly evolving and we need to work on a strategic framework, SoPs and its effective implementation, he said.
The LG further highlighted the need to bridge the gap in healthcare facilities and special services for the ageing population.
“By 2050, 20.8 percent of India’s total population will be above 60 years of age. This increase in the elderly population requires us to develop a strong care economy to ensure that our elders can live healthy, dignified and fulfilling lives,” the LG said.
He also suggested developing a comprehensive healthcare package which includes regular check-ups, geriatric care, mental health support and palliative care.
On the occasion, the LG also inaugurated the Radiotherapy Oncology and Operation Theatre Complex at AIIMS Jammu. He launched AIIMS Pain Policy and lauded the AIIMS Jammu’s vision of pain-free patient care.
He also commended the Indian Association of Palliative Care for playing a significant role in the expansion of specialized care based on the principles of palliative care.
The LG also inspected various blocks at AIIMS, Jammu and interacted with the medical staff. Standard Operating Procedures of the Department of Anaesthesiology and the Patient Information Booklet of Chemotherapy were also launched.
The establishment of a Radiotherapy Oncology facility at AIIMS Jammu will reduce the need for patients to travel long distances for radiation therapy, ensuring timely diagnosis and treatment within the region. The service will cater to an increasing number of cancer patients, offering advanced radiotherapy techniques, personalized treatment plans and multidisciplinary care. The Hospital-Based Cancer Registry, under ICMR’s National Cancer Data Project has also been commenced which will further aid in shaping effective cancer care operations and strategies.
The Operation Theatre Complex featuring eight advanced operation theatres at AIIMS Jammu, includes four integrated OTs with live surgical broadcasting for real-time medical training, one hybrid OT with rotatory MRI and CT scan technology for complex procedures like transplants and cochlear implants. The OT facility has high-definition audio-visual systems for precision and enhanced learning, modular design ensuring flexibility and efficiency in surgical procedures.
Dr. Shakti Kumar Gupta, Executive Director & CEO AIIMS, Jammu; Prof. Sushma Bhatnagar President, Indian Association of Palliative Care; Dr. Rohit Lahori, President, IAPC, J&K Chapter; Dr. Sunana Gupta, Organising Secretary; senior officials, experts, members of IAPC and medical fraternity were present.
Want youth to spearhead transformational journey of J&K: LG Sinha
Asserting that he wants the local youth to spearhead the transformational journey of Jammu and Kashmir, Lt Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday urged the National Cadet Corps (NCC) to motivate and encourage youngsters in the Union Territory to contribute to nation-building activities.
Interacting with the NCC cadets, who returned after attending the Republic Day Camp in New Delhi, Sinha, according to an official press release, also asked the cadets to focus on five resolutions: rapid development of J&K, improving the quality of life for citizens, creating social units, inspiring constructive social change through the ideals and values of NCC, and ensuring the participation of every section of society in the nation’s development journey.
A total of 127 cadets from the Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh NCC Directorate participated in this year’s Republic Day celebration. Seventeen NCC cadets were selected to march on Kartavya Path, and five cadets were selected for the Guard of Honour.
The cadets shared their experiences from the Republic Day camp with the Lt Governor at a special function at Raj Bhawan.
The Lt Governor complimented the cadets and NCC officers, noting that their historic participation in the Republic Day celebrations, securing several prestigious awards and accolades, had reinforced the NCC’s vital role in nurturing the nation’s future leaders.
“NCC cadets have always demonstrated exceptional skills, discipline, and dedication in carrying out their duties. I must applaud the ideas and energy of our young cadets to develop and improve society, address challenges through innovative solutions, and engage in selfless service,” he said.
Sinha stated that the youth are the hope for a better world and a brighter future for J&K.
“The youth have a great responsibility to carry forward the ideals and values of our ancient civilization and build a stronger J&K. The spirit of NCC will help them power the mission of peace and progress and achieve the goal of constructive social change,” he added, urging NCC cadets to motivate and encourage youngsters to contribute to nation-building activities.
The Lt Governor felicitated the cadets with certificates of excellence for their significant contributions to the success of the contingent.
Additional Director General of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh Directorate, Maj Gen A Bevli, presented a memento to the Lt Governor as a token of gratitude for his continuous support of the NCC’s initiatives.
Senior Under Officer (SUO) Ekta Kumari led the All India NCC Girls Contingent during the Republic Day Parade 2025 on Kartavya Path, earning appreciation from the President of India and the DG NCC Commendation Card.
Junior Under Officer (JUO) Abida Afreen, recognized for her outstanding performance, was honoured with the Raksha Mantri Commendation Card. She has also been selected to scale Mt. Everest later this year, serving as a role model and an inspiration for aspiring youth.
