Unveils Radiotherapy Complex, launches AIIMS Pain Policy
SAMBA, JAN 31: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha 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.
In his keynote address, the Lieutenant Governor 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 disease, well-being of families, alleviate pain and suffering and provide spiritual support.
The Lieutenant Governor 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 certain extent. Our aim is to deliver medical and psychological support at people’s doorstep,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor 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. 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 strategic framework, SoPs and its effective implementation, he said.
The Lieutenant Governor further highlighted the need to bridge the gap in healthcare facilities and special services for the ageing population. 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 Lieutenant Governor inaugurated 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.
Meanwhile, the Lieutenant Governor inspected various blocks at AIIMS, Jammu and interacted with the medical staff. Standard Operating Procedures of Department of Anaesthesiology and the Patient Information Booklet of Chemotherapy were also launched.
AIIMS Jammu is setting a new benchmarks in pain management and palliative care, ensuring that every patient receives dignified, pain-free, and holistic medical care. Pain Free policy at AIIMS Jammu will include AI-driven pain management solutions for cancer and chronic illness patients, specialized palliative care units to improve patient comfort and quality of life and advanced pain relief therapies integrated into routine medical care.
Under the visionary leadership of Dr. Shakti Kumar Gupta, Executive Director & CEO, AIIMS Jammu and Dr. Shabab Lalit Angurana, Professor & Head, Radiotherapy Oncology, the Institute has commenced Radiation Therapy Services with the inclusion of Linear Accelerator (LINAC), offering Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT), Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT), Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) and Stereotactic Radiation Therapy (SRT). The Department is also equipped with CT Scan Simulator with 4D technology, Brachytherapy Unit and a 10-bed Chemotherapy Day-Care Center with an isolation room for immunocompromised patients.
Speaking about the inauguration, Dr. Shakti Kumar Gupta stated “The introduction of Radiation Oncology Services at AIIMS Jammu is a transformative step in enhancing cancer treatment accessibility and improving patient outcomes. This initiative aligns with our mission to deliver comprehensive, high-quality healthcare to the people of Jammu & Kashmir and adjoining areas.”
With these groundbreaking advancements in palliative care, pain management, cancer treatment and surgery, AIIMS Vijaypur, Jammu, is redefining oncology, surgical precision, and palliative care, ensuring world-class, healthcare for the region and aligning with its motto of PATIENT FIRST.
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.
