Page 51 - Essentia Vol 5 Issue 1

VOL V | ISSUE I | 5 AUGUST 2026 VOL V | ISSUE I | 5 AUGUST 2026
A BIANNUAL NEWSLETTER OF ASSAM CANCER CARE FOUNDATION A BIANNUAL NEWSLETTER OF ASSAM CANCER CARE FOUNDATION

Care
Palliative

AN O VER VIEW

Majoni Kurmi
Nursing Officer
Diphu Cancer Centre

he word palliative comes from the Latin word
pallium, meaning “cloak”. It reflects care Over time, the World Health Organization
Tthat protects patients and families from the recognised palliative care as an essential part of
distress of serious illness, whether or not cure is healthcare. Its scope now extends beyond cancer
possible. to life-limiting illnesses such as HIV/AIDS, kidney
The World Health Organization defines palliative disease and neurological disorders.
care as an approach that improves quality of life In India, palliative care has grown through hospices,
by preventing and relieving suffering through early community programmes and specialised
identification, careful assessment and treatment institutions. Shanti Avedna Sadan in Mumbai is
of pain, along with physical, psychosocial and among the country’s first modern hospices, while
spiritual concerns. As chronic illness increases organisations such as the Indian Association of
globally, palliative care is becoming essential to Palliative Care have strengthened awareness and
healthcare systems. In India, it remains a growing training. In 2008, Kerala became the first state to
field, with wider access needed to reduce suffering introduce a palliative care policy.
and support families.
Palliative care in assam
Evolution of palliative care In Assam, palliative care has developed through
Although the term “palliative care” has gained the efforts of cancer institutions, healthcare
attention in recent years, the concept is not new. professionals and community outreach teams.
During the time of King Ashoka, care for the ill Cancer hospitals supported by Assam Cancer
and dying was offered through religious and Care Foundation, along with institutions such as Dr
community-based institutions, though not as B. Borooah Cancer Institute and the State Cancer
formal healthcare services. Institute, are helping expand access and academic
Modern palliative care developed significantly training. At the community level, COP teams take
through the work of Dame Cicely Saunders, a nurse, home-based support to rural households. With
physician and social worker who helped shape the continued awareness and training, palliative care
hospice movement and placed comfort, dignity can become a more integrated part of Assam’s
and whole-person care at the centre of medicine. healthcare system.

50 Truth saves lives. Myths put them at risk. 51