Palliative care awareness programme held at Notre Dame university

A palliative care sensitisation programme for students and teachers was held at the campus of Notre Dame University Bangladesh today, organised by the Palliative Care Society of Bangladesh and the Bangladesh Notre Dame Alumni of North America with overall support from the university authorities.

The event was chaired by Vice-Chancellor Father Patrick Gaffney. Key speakers included founding professor of the Department of Palliative Medicine at Bangladesh Medical University Prof Dr Nizamuddin Ahmed; General Secretary of the Palliative Care Society of Bangladesh Prof Dr Sanzida Shaharia; and physician-researcher Dr Mohammad Nakibuddin from the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, according to a press release of PCSB.

In his welcome remarks, Father Gaffney presented the concept of palliative care in simple terms and called for greater awareness among students and teachers.

Prof Ahmed said palliative care is not just a medical approach but a humanitarian responsibility, noting that services remain limited in Bangladesh compared to other countries. He emphasised that students, as the future generation, can help build a culture of compassion in families and society.

Prof Shaharia highlighted the importance of community involvement, saying students can promote awareness, empathy and volunteer initiatives to expand such services.

Dr Nakibuddin shared real-life experiences and discussed how families and educational institutions can practise palliative care, stressing the role of compassion, respect and emotional support in reducing suffering near the end of life.

An interactive question-and-answer session followed, with active participation from students and teachers. In his concluding remarks, Dr Nakibuddin encouraged interested students to take initiatives at the university.

During the vote of thanks, Brother Subal Rosario proposed launching a palliative care club for students. The university authorities agreed to include the topic in student club activities, bringing the programme to a close.