Caring with Dignity, Comfort and Compassion: An Awareness Program on Palliative Care Services
Date: 22 August 2025
Time: 2.20 p.m.
Venue: Assembly Hall, Jesus Training College, Mala
Recognizing the importance of compassionate healthcare and community service, Jesus Training College, Mala, in association with the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), organized an awareness programme titled "Caring with Dignity, Comfort and Compassion: Palliative Care Services" on 22 August 2025 at 2.20 p.m. in the College Assembly Hall.
The programme aimed to create awareness among student teachers about the philosophy and practice of palliative care, emphasizing the importance of providing holistic support to individuals living with life-limiting illnesses. The session highlighted the need to care for patients with dignity, compassion, and respect while addressing their physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs.
The programme featured distinguished resource persons from Hrudaya Palliative Care and Hospice, Irinjalakuda Diocese. Rev. Fr. Shaju Chirayath, Executive Director, shared valuable insights into the mission and services of palliative care, stressing that compassionate care extends beyond medical treatment to include emotional support, empathy, and the preservation of human dignity. He encouraged the participants to recognize palliative care as a humanitarian service that improves the quality of life for patients and their families.
The second session was led by Rev. Fr. Joseph Maliekal, Associate Executive Director of Hrudaya Palliative Care and Hospice. He elaborated on the community-based model of palliative care, highlighting the collaborative efforts of healthcare professionals, volunteers, caregivers, and society in ensuring comprehensive care for those facing serious illnesses. His presentation inspired participants to appreciate the role of community involvement in extending compassionate support to vulnerable individuals.
Adding an academic perspective to the programme, Rev. Fr. Joby Menoth, Ph.D. Research Scholar in Palliative Care Social Work, University of Madras, delivered an informative session on the social work dimensions of palliative care. He discussed the psychosocial challenges experienced by patients and caregivers and emphasized the importance of empathy, communication, and ethical responsibility in providing person-centered care. Through practical examples and real-life experiences, he motivated future educators to cultivate values of kindness, social commitment, and service in both their personal and professional lives.
The programme was highly interactive, with participants actively engaging in discussions and seeking clarification on various aspects of palliative care, hospice services, and community participation. The resource persons effectively addressed their queries, making the session both informative and inspiring.
The awareness programme successfully sensitized the student teachers to the significance of palliative care as an expression of compassion and human dignity. It reinforced the values of empathy, service, and social responsibility, encouraging participants to become advocates of compassionate care within their communities.
Through initiatives such as "Caring with Dignity, Comfort and Compassion," Jesus Training College, Mala continues to promote holistic education by integrating academic learning with humanitarian values, preparing future teachers to become socially responsible citizens committed to serving humanity with care, dignity, and compassion.