Message
from the Chair
and Executive Director
Dear Readers:
This month, we highlight the work of several agencies, palliative care programs and organizations that advance the field of palliative care in the world:
Human Rights Watch released a report about the lack of access to opioids in India:
At a press conference in the India International Center in New Delhi on the 29th of October, Mr. Diederik Lohman of Human Rights Watch released the report, “Unbearable Pain: India’s Obligation to Ensure Palliative Care”.The report discusses the problems and barriers that doctors and patients face in trying to access treatment for pain relief, including economic, social and legal barriers.
The report, including a three minute video that contains comments by IAHPC Board member M.R.Rajagopal MD, can be accessed at http://www.hrw.org/en/reports/2009/10/28/unbearable-pain-0
Mayday Fund released a report from a USA panel of physicians about the lack of training in chronic pain treatment
Warning, patients shouldn’t assume their doctor has enough knowledge to treat their pain. A USA panel of experts called on medical schools to train doctors and nurses on the basics of pain care, to reform the USA reimbursement system, and to address pain as a public health crisis. The group insists that without health reforms and better training to diagnose and treat pain properly, people with untreated pain may face a lifetime of pain as a chronic illness which could lead to job loss, depression and in some cases, even suicide. The panel, convened by the New York City-based Mayday Fund, included anesthesiologists, neurologists, primary care doctors, pediatricians, emergency physicians, nurses, psychologists, pharmacists and patient advocates.
The IAHPC has endorsed this document and hopes that other organizations will follow. The report is available here.
Congratulations to these organizations for their hard work to disseminate information that increases awareness of the lack of access to quality pain relief.
Other good news
International Palliative Care Network Community Poster Exhibition
The International Palliative Care Network Community – the first online community exclusively for palliative care professionals – is currently hosting an International Palliative Care Network Poster Exhibition 2009.There are several posters from palliative care workers around the world. Take a few minutes to visit and read these posters and learn about the great work that your colleagues are doing. The posters are available for viewing at http://www.pcn-e.com/community/pg/pages/view/3376/
Comments can be made concerning the posters by logging onto the community site.
Scholarships awarded to India
The International Association for Hospice and Palliative Care has funded 10 scholarships for doctors and nurses in India to attend 4-6 weeks’ “hands-on” certificate courses. During the first year of our support, we will have a trial run at the two centers that Pallium India recommended, namely the INCTR training center at the MNJ Institute of Oncology and Trivandrum Institute of Palliative Sciences (TIPS).The scholarships cover travel expenses as well as board and lodging of participants.Those interested, please contact [email protected]
We are very glad to be able to help palliative care development and education in India through this program. Congratulations to Pallium India for receiving this grant.
Reflections
We face many challenges in the near future considering the current global economic situation. We are aware that we face financial constraints and have prepared ourselves to meet these challenges. Our strong commitment to support the development of palliative care around the world will continue to be our driving force. We wish to thank those who make our work worthwhile - the patients and their families, the health care workers, and the volunteers who dedicate and give so much to palliative care.
We could not have achieved the above without the generous support of our board of directors, our members, donors, companies, foundations and organizations that believe in IAHPC’s mission and in our ability to have an impact on the promotion and development of palliative care.
In the next days, many of you will be receiving a letter from IAHPC requesting a donation. Please remember that your contributions are tax deductible in the USA and make a big difference. Any amount is helpful to us. Our ability to continue to assist others depends greatly on the support we receive from all of you, so please consider donating to IAHPC. You can donate through our website at https://www.hospicecare.com/give/donate.html
Best wishes to all of you, your friends and family members for the coming holidays and we hope that next year will be happy and successful.
Regards,
Roberto Wenk, MD
Chair, Board of Directors
Liliana De Lima, MHA
Executive Director
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