Traveling Scholars Program Report
Piyush Gupta, PhD
Travel date: May 30, 2018
Name of Meeting/Event/Activity: 3rd ICPCN Conference: Inspiration, Innovation, Integration
Origin: Lucknow, India / Destination: Durban, South Africa
Photos
Piyush Gupta poster presentation How was this meeting/activity helpful to you?
ICPCN 2018 Durban was a memorable experience not only for the undersigned but all the participants coming from almost 40 Countries across the Globe. South African premier of the Film Hippocratic: 18 Experiments in Gently Shaking the World, exploring the life story of my Guru Dr MR Rajagopal, was an eye opener specially for the representatives of the Countries where Palliative Care is in developing stages itself and India - the Worlds largest democracy having 1/6th of global population and almost equal burden of Palliative Care. Dr. Rajagopal introduced Palliative Care to me in 2007 as an Expert Faculty of American Cancer Society and I was fortunate to work with him in the successive years on a project of American Cancer Society for Addressing Palliative Care through improved Cancer Pain Policy in 2008 and 2010. I had to don the mantle of Organizing Secretary of the 18th International Conference of IAPC in 2011 he was an advisor and even when it came to the amendment of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act I got the chance to give inputs to the Government along with Dr. Rajagopal, Dr. Sushma Bhatnagar, Dr. Anil Paleri and Dr. Nagesh Simha as Palliative Care advocates and the landmark amendment in 2014 has changed the scenario in India forever which was much sought since last 25 years. This shall motivate Palliative Care professionals across the Globe in following suit and give them insight on holistic handling of the problem. Cancer Aid Society has hosted an Annual International Award of INR100000/- for Leadership in Palliative Care in SAARC Nations and we welcome applicants to apply in great numbers every year. The organisers of ICPCN had left no stone unturned in hosting the Conference may it be hospitality or the Scientific Sessions and Plenaries which was in fact a treat to the eyes and ears, meticulously conducted enriching the participants with the best of knowledge and adding value thereon. Even the posters were of very high quality.
The conference was highly meaningful and left me spell bound at the end.
How will you new knowledge & acquired skills help in furthering your work in hospice and palliative care in your program/city/ or country?
I was able to inculcate a lot of attention among participants as Homeopathic Medicines are being used for the first time in the History of Palliative Care Globally. Their use among children is more convincing as they are free from side effects. As a strong Palliative Care Advocate I am more than convinced to integrate the Palliative Care for the Children in future campaigns across India as it needs redressal and the same was missing on account of lack of knowledge and sensitivity about the issue. After amendment of the NDPS Act in India much action is lacking as most State Governments are not well conversant with the new Law however the ICPCN has charged me fully and back in my country I am to ignite the flame and demonstrate action which has already been started as I have fixed appointments with the relevant Stake Holders.
How IAHPC Traveling Scholars Program be improved in order to help other future traveling scholars?
IAHPC Travelling Scholarship experience is just wonderful and I am just flabbergasted by the way IAHPC is giving Scholarships and almost 10 people got the Scholarships for ICPCN.
Well done IAHPC, keep it up.
Narrative summary highlighting the needs and challanges you face
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