A Palliative Care Unit Strengthening Program jointly organized by the Health Commission of the Archdiocese of Kottayam, Caritas Hospital, and Chungam Forane was held at St. Augustine's Knanaya Catholic Church. The program aimed to strengthen palliative care services across various parishes and enhance community-based care for patients in need.
As part of the program, Dr. Krishnapriya V., Senior Specialist, Department of Palliative Medicine, Caritas Hospital, led an awareness session highlighting the importance of palliative care and the role of community participation in ensuring quality care for patients and their families.
The public meeting that followed was presided over by Mr. Benny Illikkal, KCC Forane President. Mr. Apu John Joseph, Chief Whip of the Kerala Legislative Assembly and MLA of Thodupuzha, inaugurated the gathering and addressed the audience. Rev. Fr. Saiju Puthenparambil, Assistant Director (Media & Relations), Caritas Hospital, delivered the keynote address. Mr. John Theruvath, Archdiocesan Treasurer, welcomed the gathering.
The event was attended by Rev. Fr. Thomas Keenthananickal (KCC Forane Chaplain), Fr. Stephen Kandarappally (Chungam Forane Vicar), Fr. James Vadakkekandathil (Vicar, St. Augustine's Knanaya Catholic Church), Mr. Thampi Erumelikkara (Former KCC Archdiocesan President), Mr. Biju Velutham Veettil (Vincent de Paul Forane President), Mrs. Beena Biju (KCWA Forane President), and Mr. Saji Philip Cherussery (Vice President, Karinkunnam Grama Panchayat), who offered their felicitations.
Dr. Jose Jom Thomas, Consultant – Community Medicine, Caritas Hospital, was also present at the function. The vote of thanks was delivered by Mr. Tiny Thomas, President of the Karinkunnam KCC Unit.
As part of the initiative, various palliative care units under Chungam Forane were provided with essential medical support equipment, including hospital beds, wheelchairs, walkers, and blood pressure and blood sugar monitoring devices, to enhance the quality of care provided to patients in the community.
