The Cipla Palliative Care and Training Centre,that has worked with over 6,800 cancer patients and their families since its formation in 1997,will celebrate its 13 th Founders Day on November 20. Well-known singer Hrishikesh Ranade,accompanied by Pramod Ranade and Swapnaja Lele,will present a musical programme,Jeevan Sangeet. A comedy show by Makarand Tillu has also been organsied. Marathi actor Madhav Abhyankar will be present on the occasion. In India almost 70% of cancer patients require palliative care as they are diagnosed in an advanced stage of the disease,resulting in poor survival and high mortality rates. Recreational healing,comprising art,music and craft programmes,is part of the regular holistic palliative care provided at Cipla Centre. All services,including medicines,are free of cost. The centre adopts a unique model of care where a family member is trained to look after the patient at home. Facilities like physiotherapy and lymphoedema treatment using pneumatic compression are now available at the centre. Cipla Centre is one of the 25 regional centres authorised by the Indian Association of Palliative Care (IAPC) to conduct the IAPC Basic Certificate Course in Essentials of Palliative Care meant for doctors and nurses. Many people,especially from the weaker strata of society,have gained from The Rugnasahayak (Patient Assistant) Certificate Course of the Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University,conducted by Cipla Centre. An OPD clinic at the Centre offers free counseling and medical consultation for pain and symptom management. The OPD helps even those who are on active curative treatment for cancer and identifies patients who need the services of the home care team.
