Bhubaneswar: An awareness rally was brought out in Bhubaneswar to celebrate the World Hospice and Palliative Care Day on October 14.
The rally was organised by Amrit Dhara Palliative Care Trust, which operates from Patia in Bhubaneswar and provides Holistic Palliative Care in different parts of Odisha, in collaboration with different NGOs. More than 250 volunteers of different age and social background, including police personnel, created the logo of WHPCD 2023 at Patia Gate in the city.
Commissioner of Police Soumendra Kumar Priyadarshi, who flagged off the rally, stressed the role of the community in palliative care ecosystem and lauded the role played by Amrit Dhara in this regard. He launched the Community Care Vehicle on the occasion.
The staff of Amrit Dhara performed a street play depicting the importance of community involvement in palliative care. Renowned artist Bibu Das rendered a soulful bhajan.
Later in the day, a scientific session was organised with leading personalities from different sectors of the society. The programme highlighted the journey of Amrit Dhara in the service of the patients, a panel discussion on the role of a compassionate community in care delivery system and also a note from the bereaved.
Dr Kanhu Charan Nayak, CDMO in-charge, Sundargarh informed about the recent launching of services of Amrit Dhara at Sundargarh.
Dr Sumita Mohanty, senior trustee and HoD of AHPGIC, Cuttack; Prof Bidhu Kalyan Mohanti, Director, Bagchi Sankara Cancer hospital and other members of the trust were present.
The programme was conducted by Sasmita Behera and Premalata Khuntia while Ratan Kumar Singh, treasurer of the Trust, offered vote of thanks.
