The organising committee of the 32nd Annual International Conference of the Indian Association of Palliative Care (IAPCON 2025) are looking forward to eagerly welcome the national and international delegates for IAPCON 2025.
The 2.5 day in-person conference will be held at the Auditorium of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, between Friday, 31st January, 2025, and Sunday, 2nd February, 2025. The Pre-conference workshops are slated for Thursday, 30th January, 2024.
IAPCON 2025 is themed ‘Evidence Based Palliative Care’.
We invite you to read the below interview which reflects the thoughts of Dr Rohit Lahori and Dr Sunana Gupta, the Organising Secretaries of IAPCON 2025.
Dr Rohit Lahori is the In-charge Pain and Palliative Care, Government Hospital Gandhi Nagar, Jammu.
Dr Sunana Gupta is the Additional Professor and Head, Department of Anaesthesiology, AIIMS Jammu.
How are you both feeling now, knowing that the conference is just around the corner?
Dr Rohit: We are thrilled and excited! With just a few days left, our enthusiasm is palpable. The anticipation of welcoming national and international experts, delegates, and stakeholders in the field of Palliative Care is building up. We are confident that IAPCON 2025 will be a resounding success, fostering meaningful discussions, knowledge sharing, and networking opportunities.
Dr Sunana: There is a mix of excitement and pride in seeing months of hard work come to life, coupled with the responsibility of ensuring a seamless experience for 700 -800 delegates. While there’s some nervousness about managing last-minute challenges, it’s outweighed by gratitude for the team’s efforts.
As the Organising Chairpersons of IAPCON 2025, what according to each of you are the key takeaways from the conference and the pre-conference workshops?
Dr Rohit: The conference and pre-conference workshops are meticulously designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of Palliative Care. The conference will present updates on the latest research, guidelines, and best practices in Palliative Care and evidence based palliative care, offer insights into integrating Palliative Care into existing healthcare systems, highlight strategies for addressing the unique challenges faced by patients and families in Jammu and Kashmir, and provide opportunities for networking and collaboration with experts and like-minded professionals.
Dr Sunana: IAPCON 2025 features 15 pre-conference workshops, each designed around innovative and cutting-edge topics to provide participants with hands-on learning experiences. IAPCON 2025 being themed ‘Evidence-Based Palliative Care’ the sessions have been meticulously planned to reflect this focus, ensuring they are rooted in the latest research, clinical evidence, and best practices. The goal is to provide delegates with actionable insights and tools to enhance the quality and effectiveness of palliative care delivery.
What is the one thing that according to each of you, is unique in this year’s conference?
Dr Rohit:One unique aspect of IAPCON 2025 is its focus on ‘Evidence based palliative care’ (EBPC). With this we hope to integrate the best available research evidence, clinical expertise and patient values to provide high quality care for individuals with life threatening illnesses. This theme is particularly relevant to Jammu and Kashmir, as our patients have to travel long distances due to the unavailability of palliative care services until recent times. My team and I strongly believe that the conference will spark important discussions and debates for such needy patients not just here, but across the country and beyond as well.
Dr Sunana: I feel that that having dedicated sessions for doctors pursuing either MD or DNB in Palliative Medicine is something that I’m particularly excited about. The other session which I feel is unique is the Session on meet the experts in which conference delegates will have the opportunity to learn from the experience of seniors / experts from the field.
What other activities await the conference delegates?
Dr Rohit:Other than the regular scientific program, conference delegates can look forward to a range of activities which includes, interesting pre-conference workshops on specialized topics such as Pediatric Palliative Care, Leadership qualities, End of Life Care, Role of POCUS in Palliative Care, Integration of Artificial Intelligence in Palliative Care management, insightful plenary sessions by pioneers of this field, panel discussions by experts, paper presentations, poster exhibitions showcasing innovative projects and research, and of course a cultural event with networking dinners to facilitate building connections and collaborations.
Dr Sunana: IAPCON 2025 offers an exciting lineup of activities to engage and entertain delegates. For the first time, a meme competition has been introduced to add a creative and fun element to the conference. The much awaited debate and a quiz competition aim to encourage intellectual engagement and interaction among participants. Delegates will also compete for prestigious awards, including those for the best oral and poster presentations for various cadres, and the Dr M.T. Bhatia Award for Best Poster Presentation for Nurses which aims to recognize excellence in nursing contributions. To add a cultural touch, a vibrant cultural program is being planned, with efforts to involve members from various state branches of the IAPC to showcase the diversity and unity of the community. These activities promise to make the conference both enriching and memorable for all conference delegates.
How do you think IAPCON 2025 will change the landscape of PC education and delivery in Jammu and Kashmir and also in India?
Dr Rohit:IAPCON 2025 has the potential to be a game-changer for Palliative Care in Jammu and Kashmir and also in India. By bringing together experts, policymakers, and stakeholders, we aim to raise awareness about the importance of Palliative Care, advocate for policy changes and increased funding for Palliative Care services, strengthen collaborations between healthcare providers, NGOs, and government agencies, and also enhance education and training opportunities for healthcare professionals.
Dr Sunana: IAPCON 2025 has the potential to significantly transform the landscape of palliative care (PC) education and delivery in Jammu and Kashmir and across India. By bringing together experts, healthcare professionals, and policymakers, the conference serves as a platform for knowledge exchange, skill-building, and the dissemination of evidence-based practices. In Jammu and Kashmir, where palliative care services are still evolving, the conference can act as a catalyst to raise awareness, strengthen local capacities, and integrate PC into mainstream healthcare systems. Workshops, sessions, and discussions tailored to regional needs will empower healthcare providers with the tools and confidence to deliver compassionate, patient-centered care. At a national level, IAPCON 2025 will contribute to standardizing PC education and delivery, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and encouraging the adoption of innovative, evidence-based approaches. By prioritizing education, advocacy, and research, the conference can inspire long-term improvements in the accessibility, quality, and integration of palliative care services across the country.
What is your message for potential attendees who are still deciding whether to participate?
Dr Rohit:To those considering attending IAPCON 2025, we say: “Don’t miss this opportunity!”. This conference is a chance to be part of a vibrant community that is shaping the future of Palliative Care in India. You will learn from the best, network with like-minded professionals, and contribute to the growth of Palliative Care in Jammu and Kashmir and beyond. Register now and be a part of this exciting journey!
Dr Sunana: To those still deciding whether to attend IAPCON 2025, this is your opportunity to be part of a transformative event in palliative care. The conference promises a rich learning experience, offering cutting-edge insights, practical skills, and the latest research to enhance your practice. When you attend IAPCON 2025, you will not only enjoy a world-class palliative care conference but also explore one of India’s most beautiful and culturally rich regions. The region known for its breathtaking landscapes, will ensure that you have a chance to immerse yourself in nature’s splendour. The region’s cuisine, rich in flavour and history, is also something to look forward to!
Please visit the conference website for further information about the conference. Looking forward to meeting you all at IAPCON 2025, at Jammu. (PS: Don’t forget to register for IAPCON 2025, in case you haven’t registered already!)
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