A state-level conference on empowering nurses in palliative care, organised by the CNE cell of Supercare Hospital, was held at Mawdiangdiang on Friday.
More than 600 delegates attended from across the state.
The World Health Organisation’s definition of palliative care is “an approach that improves the quality of life of patients and their families facing the problems associated with life-threatening illness, through the prevention and relief of suffering by means of early identification and impeccable assessment and treatment of pain, illnesses including other problems whether physical, psychosocial, and spiritual”.
The conference was graced by esteemed guest Abanti Gopan, a nursing consultant renowned for her insights in palliative care. Gopan, who is a strong proponent of ‘Nurse Empowerment’, has the unique distinction of being an accomplished nurse administrator and educationist to serve as a beacon of inspiration to many nurses.
She highlighted the deficit in palliative care awareness among the public and emphasised the importance of spreading knowledge about palliative care, which Supercare Hospital has taken up with great spirit on the occasion of International Women’s Day.
The turnout of the conference was a positive sign as there was a large audience in attendance which indicates a strong interest and support for recognising the power and influence of women in the field of nursing. The Nursing Superintendent of Supercare Hospital, Mary B Lyngdoh, expressed the team’s commitment to educating more nurses on palliative care.
Palliative care is an emerging specialty area within the nursing profession and this conference was conducted to emphasise the importance of spreading this knowledge in rural areas. Jasmine Kharphuli, the observer for the event, commented that the conference provided valuable insights in palliative care, including how to assess and manage various common symptoms and its contribution to enhancing nursing skills in palliative care.
A delegate noted that the conference’s focus on palliative care is crucial, given the rising number of cancer cases in the state and the limited facilities available.
