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Department

Palliative Medicine

Integrating Comfort with Cancer Care.

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Comprehensive Cancer Care. Providing ethical and accessible treatment since 1954.

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Message from the Head of Department

Dr. V. V. Meenakshi

• Professor and Head
“The team at the Department of Palliative Medicine leave no stone unturned to deliver compassionate care best aligned to the preferences of patients and their families. We are able to do this by our collaboration with the oncology team who share the same vision. We aspire to provide a continuum of care to all patients with cancer who seek treatment at our institution, no matter the stage of the disease and its final outcome.”
About the Department

Department Overview

Integrating Comfort with Cancer Care.

The Department of Palliative Medicine provides specialized, patient-centered care aimed at improving the quality of life of patients and families facing cancer and other serious illnesses. As an integral part of a tertiary cancer institute, the department works alongside oncology teams to address pain, distressing symptoms, psychological concerns, and supportive care needs throughout the course of illness.

Our multidisciplinary team—including physicians, nurses, psychologists, social workers, and allied health professionals—focuses on comprehensive symptom management, psychosocial support, communication about goals of care, and support for patients and families during advanced illness and end-of-life care.

Care is delivered across multiple settings including outpatient clinics, inpatient services, intensive care units, and home-based care, ensuring continuity and accessibility of support. The department also contributes actively to education, training, research, and quality improvement initiatives to advance palliative care practice.

By integrating palliative care early in the cancer care pathway, the department aims to relieve suffering, enhance dignity, and support patients and families in making informed decisions aligned with their values and goals.

When Should You Visit This Department?

If you or a loved one experiences any of these symptoms, consult our specialists:

Uncontrolled pain or distressing symptoms such as breathlessness, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, or loss of appetite
Advanced or metastatic cancer, where additional supportive care is required alongside ongoing oncological treatment
Side effects from cancer treatments affecting comfort or daily functioning
Emotional or psychological distress experienced by patients or family members
Need for guidance on goals of care, treatment decisions, or advance care planning
Requirement for home-based care, supportive care planning, or end-of-life care
Support for caregivers who need assistance in managing symptoms and providing care at home
What We Treat

Conditions Treated

Severe or refractory pain
Breathlessness and respiratory distress
Nausea, vomiting, constipation and anorexia
Fatigue and weakness
Anxiety, depression, and psychological distress
End-of-life care needs
Diagnosis of advanced cancer
Psycho-social needs
Assistance with decision making
Request for hastened death
Plan or requiring home visit/hospice
How We Treat

Treatment Options

Stay Ahead

Prevention & Screening

Screening for palliative care needs in outpatient and inpatient oncology services

Early referral of patients with advanced or complex symptoms

Routine symptom assessment to detect and address distress early

Proactive management of pain and other distressing symptoms

Prevention and management of treatment-related side effects

Pressure ulcer prevention through regular assessment and skin care

Constipation prevention in patients receiving opioid therapy

Prevention of delirium through careful medication review and supportive care

Opioid stewardship and safe opioid dispensing systems

Routine psycho-social assessment for patients and caregivers

Education for caregivers on symptom monitoring and home care practices

Request an Appointment

Schedule a consultation with our specialists

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Meet the Team

Our Experts

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Dr. V. V. Meenakshi

Professor and Head

DR

Dr. Daniel Raj Joseph Thangasamy

Faculty

Our Heritage

Legacy & History

The comprehensive palliative care service began as part of the Department of Anaesthesia, later evolving into the Department of Anaesthesia, Pain and Palliative Care.
2010
Palliative care outpatient service initiated, initially operating two days per week, now expanded to six days a week.
2014
Home-based palliative care services introduced for patients unable to frequently visit the hospital.
2015
Daily outpatient services began.
2017
Dedicated hospice facility Mahaveer Ashray established at Sriperumbudur, providing inpatient hospice and end-of-life care.
Today the palliative care team has grown to nearly 20 members — physicians, nurses, psychiatrists, psychologists, medical social workers, volunteers, and a data management team.
Outpatient palliative care services are subsidized and free for general ward patients; home-based care and hospice services are provided entirely free of cost.
Milestones

Key Achievements

Community

Support Groups

Our palliative care team actively facilitates support groups for patients and caregivers.
These groups provide a safe space to share experiences, receive emotional counseling, and build a supportive community during difficult times.

Contact the Department

ppc@cancerinstitutewia.org

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