National Palliative Care Convention 2.0 Inaugurated in Panaji with Traditional Lamp Lighting Ceremony

Goa Khabar: The National Palliative Care Convention 2.0, organised by the Goa Chapter of the National Association of Palliative Care for AYUSH & Integrative Medicine (NAPCAIM), was inaugurated on Saturday at Terminal Banquet Hall, above Caculo Mall, St. Inez, Panaji, to mark World Hospice and Palliative Care Day.

The convention commenced with the traditional lighting of the ceremonial lamp in the presence of distinguished guests, medical professionals, palliative care experts and delegates from different parts of the country.

**Dr. Sneha Bhagwat, Organising President of the convention, welcomed all the dignitaries, invited guests and participants** at the inaugural function.

The programme was attended by **Dr. K. L. Babu and Padma Shri awardee Dr. Armida Fernandez**, founder of Romila Palliative Care Centre, Mumbai, along with other distinguished guests and healthcare professionals.

Goa Health Minister Vishwajit Rane, who was scheduled to inaugurate the convention as the Chief Guest, could not attend the programme.

The convention was organised under the theme **“Pain Management: An Essential Part of Palliative Care,”** highlighting the importance of effective pain management in improving the quality of life of patients suffering from serious and life-limiting illnesses.

The event brought together leading experts and healthcare professionals to discuss developments in palliative care, patient comfort, pain relief and the importance of compassionate medical support.

The convention also provided a platform for the exchange of knowledge and experiences among medical practitioners and specialists working in the field of hospice and palliative care.

Ms. Vandana Kakodkar served as the Secretary of the organising committee.

The National Palliative Care Convention 2.0 focused on strengthening awareness about palliative care and promoting a patient-centred approach to healthcare, with special emphasis on pain management, dignity and quality of life.