World Hospice and Palliative Care Day 2026 was observed on 10th October 2026, at St. Joseph Pain and Palliative Care Centre (SJPPCC), Chümoukedima. This year's theme was Pain Management: An Essential Part of Palliative Care.
T. Lemlila Sangtam, NCS, ADC and Executive Officer, Chümoukedima, spoke as the special guest. She acknowledged the dioceses of Nagaland for their service and called for care, love and compassion towards patients. She said no one should have to suffer from preventable pain and pointed to the need to address what she described as a silent crisis, as access to such care does not reach many people. She observed that pain is complex and that fear and stigma prevent people from seeking relief. Palliative care, she said, is not about giving up but about living as fully as possible, and comfort, dignity and relief are the rights of every person. The ADC called for advocacy for policies supporting such care, and for dignity till the end of life. She also assured full support from the district administration.
Dr. Tony Vikas Bishwas, HoD and Consultant, Palliative Medicine, CIHSR, spoke on the theme. He said palliative care aims to improve the quality of life of patients with serious illness, covering their physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs. He noted that many people wrongly believe palliative care is only about end-of-life care, when it is also about living with comfort and without suffering. He stated that pain is a preventable suffering, that there should be no barriers to pain relief, and that misconceptions about painkillers need to be addressed. Pain is not only physical, he said, and palliative care requires a multidisciplinary team. He added that pain relief is a human right.
Pain is one of the most common and distressing symptoms faced by patients with cancer and other life-limiting conditions, and it can affect sleep, appetite, mood and the ability to carry out daily activities. Untreated pain also takes an emotional toll on families. In palliative care, pain is assessed carefully and treated with a combination of medicines, therapies and counselling suited to each patient. When prescribed and monitored by trained doctors, pain medicines are safe and effective, and their proper use helps patients stay comfortable and engaged with their families and communities.
Georgina, PRO of SJPPCC, presented a video on the centre's work. She informed that a total of 123 patients have received care at the centre so far, and 14 patients are currently residing there.
Dr. John Murry observed that empathy is lacking among Nagas and said there is a need for greater attention, care and understanding of palliative care. He appealed to all present to take the message of palliative care to citizens across the state.
The programme also included a welcome address by Sr. Teris MSJ, Administrator of SJPPCC, a special number by Clinical Pastoral Education trainees of CIHSR, cultural dance by SJPPCC staff, choreography by MSJ candidates, and exhortation by Basu Damani, President of Lions Club Dimapur. Rev. Fr. Chacko Karinthayil honoured the patrons of the centre. Sr. Preena MSJ, Chief of Nursing Services, SJPPCC, gave the vote of thanks, and Rev. Fr. George Rino, Parish Priest of St. Joseph Parish, Chümoukedima, pronounced the benediction. James Vizo, Spiritual Counsellor and Social Activist, gave the invocation. 

(Takumpula, Longkumer, IA)