Shanti Avedna Sadan Celebrates Three Decades of Care for Cancer Patients

New Delhi, November 11, 2024: Shanti Avedna Sadan, New Delhi’s first dedicated palliative care center for cancer patients, celebrated its 30th anniversary with a series of events from November 7 to 9. Located near Safdarjung Hospital, this hospice was founded by Dr. L.J. de Souza, a visionary oncologist to provide free, compassionate care for patients in the advanced stages of cancer. The milestone celebration, organized by Sr. Tabitha Joseph, Administrator of Shanti Avedna Sadan and a dedicated team, honoured the hospice’s legacy while advocating for expanded support for palliative care in India.

Over the three days, the center welcomed families of former patients, volunteers and healthcare professionals to celebrate its journey and reflect on the continued need for accessible hospice care. Key discussions included a roundtable with local nursing college leaders on the role of nurses in palliative support and a symposium, inaugurated by Member of Parliament Adv. Haris Beeran. In his symposium title "Voicing and Acknowledging Hospice Care," focused on policy changes to make hospice services more accessible. Dr. de Souza and other advocates highlighted the need for government support in bridging the gap between grassroots efforts and state policies to ensure end-of-life care for all.

Addressing volunteers, the hospice's “backbone,” Dr. Rakesh Garg of AIIMS and Adv. Fr. Jaisson Vadassery, of the CCBI Commission for Migrants, stressed that vulnerable groups, like migrants, face immense barriers in accessing palliative care. Volunteers were honoured for their commitment, as Dr. Aswin Desouza, Surgical Oncologist and trustee of Shanti Avedna Sadan, outlined the center’s vision to broaden partnerships and awareness for the cause. The event concluded with a united pledge to uphold the hospice’s mission of dignity and care, symbolizing the hospice’s dedication to providing compassionate end-of-life care for those most in need.

By Sr. Rani Punnasseril