THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

DHAMRA, JANUARY 28, 2026

Palliative care is a vital pillar of comprehensive healthcare, especially for patients living with chronic, life-limiting, and terminal illnesses. It plays a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life of patients and their families by addressing not only physical pain, but also psychological, social, and spiritual distress.

Recognising the growing need for accessible, community-based palliative care services in rural and semi-urban regions, the Adani Foundation organised a one-day capacity-building training programme on palliative care at the Community Health Centre (CHC), Tihidi, in Bhadrak district. The initiative aimed to strengthen grassroots healthcare delivery by equipping frontline health workers with essential palliative care skills.

The programme was inaugurated by the Medical Supervisor of CHC Tihidi, who underscored the increasing relevance of palliative care within public health systems, particularly in underserved rural and semi-urban areas where access to specialised care remains limited. He commended the Adani Foundation for its proactive effort to enhance the capabilities of healthcare workers who often serve as the first and most trusted point of contact for patients and their families.

The training was facilitated by an expert team from Amrit Dhara Palliative Care Centre, Bhubaneswar, led by Dr. Namrata Rath, Trustee, Amrit Dhara Palliative Care, and Dr. Pragati Panda, Consultant. The team was supported by experienced palliative care professionals Itina Swain and Pratyasha Rath, who brought practical insights and field-based perspectives to the sessions.

The event was hosted by Pravat Kumar Sahoo of the Adani Foundation, who emphasised that palliative care extends far beyond end-of-life support. He highlighted its importance in improving the overall quality of life for patients and families throughout the trajectory of serious illness, reinforcing the need to integrate palliative care into routine primary healthcare services.

The training programme focused on strengthening the knowledge, skills, and practical competencies of frontline healthcare providers, including Community Health Officers (CHOs), paramedical staff, male health workers, and health supervisors. Participants were sensitised to the core principles of palliative care, early identification of patients requiring such services, effective pain and symptom management, provision of psychosocial support, and the importance of compassionate and empathetic communication.

Through this initiative, the Adani Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to building resilient healthcare systems and promoting humane, patient-centred care at the community level.