Institute of Palliative Medicine (IPM) Calicut – Wheelathon 2015
Palliative care is specialized medical care for people with serious illnesses. It focuses on providing patients with relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness. The goal is to improve quality of life for both the patient and the family.
Palliative care is provided by a specially-trained team of doctors, nurses and other specialists who work together with a patient’s other doctors to provide an extra layer of support. It is appropriate at any age and at any stage in a serious illness and can be provided along with curative treatment. A World Health Organization statement describes palliative care as “an approach that improves the quality of life of patients and their families facing the problems associated with life-threatening illness, through the prevention and relief of suffering by means of early identification and impeccable assessment and treatment of pain and other problems, physical, psychosocial and spiritual.”
The purpose of this event is twofold: 1) To raise awareness about the challenges faced daily by those who have to navigate the world in a wheelchair. 2) To raise money which will help us continue to continue the mission of helping those with disabilities to grow and maintain their independence.
The students of the Palliative Care (SIPC) in association with Institute of Palliative Medicine (IPM) organized a rally for “Men on Wheels” on 8th January 2015 at Calicut City. The main objective of the event was to sensitize the public on palliative care and also seek their support to provide mobility to many in need. The event was also supported by the WHO Collaborating Center for community Participation in Palliative care and long term care. The cover depicts men on wheels participating in the Wheelathon. The special cancellation also depicts the same. . This cover is believed to be the first cover to be carried on a wheel chair. This special cover issued on 08-01-2015 ( KL02/2015).