IMPHAL, May 15: With the aim for spreading awareness on palliative care, the Palliative Care Society, Imphal today organised a mass rally which was flagged off from Kangla Western Gate by All Manipur Working Journalist Union (AMJWU) president Wangkhemcha Shamjai.
The route of the rally covered Bir Tikendrajit Flyover, Paona Bazar, Keishampat Bridge, Wahengbam Leikai, Nagamapal, RIMS Road and ended at IMA Hall, Lamphel.
During the flag-off ceremony, secretary of PCSI, Dr S Jugindro said palliative care is referred to the care given to improve the quality of life of patients who have a serious or life-threatening disease or terminal illness and expressed hoped that such rally can bring awareness on palliative care to the general public.
On every Sunday the PCSI volunteers have been holding consultation with many people who are suffering from terminal diseases in Imphal areas. In the state, around 12,000 people are suffering from incurable diseases, he stated.
The goal of palliative care is to prevent or treat, as early as possible, the symptoms and side effects of the diseases and its treatment, in addition to the related psychological, social, and spiritual problems. Palliative care is also called comfort care, supportive care, and symptom management, he added.
On the other hand, W Shamjai remarked that the role of media is very important in giving mass awareness to the general public on palliative care.
About 50 volunteers participated in the awareness rally.