GMC Jammu stresses comprehensive pain management for seriously ill patients
The Department of Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Government Medical College (GMC), Jammu, organised a Continuing Medical Education (CME) programme on “Pain Management – An Essential Part of Palliative Care” at the college auditorium.
The programme aimed to highlight the importance of comprehensive pain management and improving the quality of life of patients living with cancer and other life-limiting illnesses. Approximately 130 delegates attended the CME, including consultants from various medical and surgical specialities, postgraduate residents, and healthcare professionals from district hospitals and private institutions. The event provided a valuable platform for interdisciplinary learning and the exchange of clinical experiences in palliative care and cancer pain management.
A dedicated palliative care file was inaugurated on the occasion, underscoring the importance of strengthening palliative care services and promoting a more systematic approach to the care of patients with cancer and other serious illnesses.
The programme was held under the guidance of Dr. Ashutosh Gupta, Principal and Dean, GMC Jammu. The organising team comprised Dr. Rajesh Mahajan, Organising Chairperson; Dr. Madan Katoch, Co-Chairperson; Dr. Naine Bhadrala, Organising Secretary; Dr. Ashwani Kumar, Scientific Chairperson; Dr. Shruti Gupta and Dr. Neha Sharma, Co-Organising Secretaries; and Dr. Anju Jamwal, Dr. Renu Wakhloo, and Dr. Ajay Gupta, Scientific Advisors.
The scientific programme featured expert lectures and interactive panel discussions on pain assessment, cancer pain management, appropriate opioid use, holistic palliative care, and the role of nurses in supportive care. The discussions emphasised compassionate communication, individualised treatment, and a multidisciplinary approach to alleviating physical, psychological, social, and spiritual suffering.
Dr. Jasmine Chaudhary and Dr. Heena Saini served as anchors for the programme, ensuring a smooth and engaging flow of the scientific sessions. A poster competition was also organised on the theme “The Last Chapter Can Still Be Beautiful,” highlighting the importance of dignity, comfort, compassion, and quality of life, even during the final stages of life. The competition encouraged students and residents to express their understanding of palliative care through creative and scientific presentations.
The CME concluded with a renewed commitment to integrating palliative care into routine clinical practice and ensuring timely pain relief, compassionate support, and dignified care for patients with cancer and other serious illnesses.