Shillong, October 11 : The Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Meghalaya, observed World Hospice & Palliative Care Day with a special programme organized at the Oncology Department, Civil Hospital, Shillong, under the global theme “Achieving the Promise: Universal Access to Palliative Care.” The event brought together healthcare professionals, patients, caregivers, and dignitaries to reaffirm the importance of ensuring accessible, compassionate, and holistic care for all.
The programme was graced by Dr. Neela E. Kharsahnoh, Director of Health Services (MCH & FW), who served as the Chief Guest. In her keynote address, Dr. Kharsahnoh emphasized the need to integrate empathy and humanity into the medical profession. “Palliative care is not just about managing pain or symptoms. It is about restoring dignity, hope, and comfort to patients and their families during the most challenging moments of their lives,” she said.
“Healthcare is not only about curing diseases but about caring for the person as a whole — body, mind, and spirit.”
She further encouraged patients and their families to remain emotionally strong and resilient, noting that cancer patients today have access to improved care and treatment regardless of financial background.
Dr. Carol Langrai, Joint Director of Health Services, attended the event as the Guest of Honour. She highlighted the growing importance of home-based palliative care, where caregivers visit patients regularly to provide medical support and emotional comfort. “The Central Government has also integrated palliative care into sub-centres, ensuring that essential services are available even in rural areas,” she stated, underscoring the commitment to universal accessibility of such facilities.
Earlier, Dr. A.M. Paswet, Joint Director of Health Services (S.S.), delivered the welcome address, outlining the significance of hospice and palliative care in improving the quality of life for patients with chronic and life-limiting illnesses.
The event featured several emotional and inspiring segments, including testimonials from patients and caregivers, who shared their personal experiences of living with illness and finding strength through palliative support.
A moving musical performance titled “Song of Hope & Healing” was presented by the staff of the Oncology Department, while the AYUSH Department conducted a therapeutic yoga session aimed at promoting mental and physical well-being among participants.
The programme concluded with the distribution of gifts to palliative care patients by the dignitaries, followed by a vote of thanks from Heiporly Talang, District Programme Coordinator (DPC), NPPC.
The observance underscored Meghalaya’s dedication to building a compassionate and inclusive healthcare system, where the focus extends beyond cure to comfort, dignity, and quality of life.
The event saw enthusiastic participation from medical officers, hospital staff, patients, and their families, reflecting a collective effort toward making palliative care accessible to all.
The programme was attended by Dr. Neela E. Kharsahnoh, Director of Health Services (MCH & FW), Dr. Carol Langrai, Joint Director of Health Services, Meghalaya, Dr. A.M. Paswet, Joint Director of Health Services (S.S.), Civil Hospital, Shillong, Heiporly Talang, DPC, NPPC, Dr. A. Mawlong, Head of Oncology Department, Civil Hospital, Shillong, Officers from allied health departments
