The Department of Palliative Medicine and Supportive Care at Kasturba Medical College (KMC), Manipal, established in 2018, is committed to optimizing the quality of life for individuals experiencing serious, life-limiting illnesses. Through a comprehensive, interdisciplinary, and patient-centered approach, the department delivers specialized management of pain and other distressing symptoms, alongside providing essential emotional, psychosocial, and spiritual support. This care model is designed to be delivered across all phases of illness, whether in conjunction with curative treatments or when the focus transitions to palliative and end-of-life care, with the overarching goal of ensuring comfort, dignity, and well-informed decision-making. Services are offered to patients of all age groups—adults and children—with a wide range of progressive conditions, including cancers, organ failure, neurodegenerative disorders, genetic illnesses, and complex chronic diseases. The team addresses not only the physical aspects of suffering but also provides holistic support to families, facilitating communication, advance care planning, and continuity of care. The department creates a compassionate environment that emphasizes relief from complex symptoms, shared decision-making, and dignity in end-of-life care.

Nationally and internationally recognized, the department is one of five institutions in India designated by the European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) for integrated oncology and palliative care. It is also the first in the country to be recognized as an International Reference Centre for End-of-Life Care by the International Collaborative (UK), and the first in Asia accredited as a Designated Centre for Supportive Care in Cancer by the Multinational Association for Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC). The department actively collaborates with leading institutions in the UK and USA—including Cardiff, Hull, Lancaster, UCSF, MD Anderson, and Northwestern—as well as industry partners like Roche, Cipla, and Philips. It contributes to national guidelines through the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and the National Cancer Grid, and is involved in collaborative national programs with AIIMS Delhi and the Asia Pacific Hospice Network.

KMC Manipal is the first private medical institution in India and the fourth nationally to offer the MD Palliative Medicine program. Unlike most programs situated in cancer centers, the department provides extensive training exposure to both cancer and non-cancer conditions, reflecting the broader scope of palliative care needs. Subspecialty services are already established in paediatric oncology, nephrology, and intensive care, with planned expansion into neurology and pulmonology. The MD program emphasizes competency-based learning in symptom management, communication, ethics, interdisciplinary teamwork, leadership, and research. The Manipal Hospice and Respite Care Centre, affiliated with the department, opened in 2025 with 35 beds and plans to gradually expand to 100 beds in the coming years. This pioneering initiative is dedicated to providing high-quality palliative and end-of-life care, as well as respite care, for individuals with life-limiting illnesses.

With the growing need for trained palliative care specialists in India, driven by rising cancer incidence, chronic disease burden, and the inclusion of palliative care in the medical curriculum, the MD program at KMC Manipal offers a unique and timely opportunity for professional advancement and meaningful impact in patient care.

Dr Miriam Jane Johnson

MBChB(Hons), MRCP(UK), DCH (RCP, UK), MRCGP, MD, FRCP

Professor of Palliative Medicine

Associate Director of the Wolfson Palliative Care Research Centre

Hull York Medical School,  UK

Professor Richard Harding 

BSc, MSc, DipSW, PhD 

Director, Department of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation

Cicely Saunders Institute

King's College, London

Dr. Justin N Baker 

Chief, Division of Quality of life and Paediatric Care

Department of Paediatrics

Stanford School of Medicine, California

Dr. Sonia Malhotra 

MD. MS. FAAP, FAAHPM

DIrector: Palliative Medicine and Supportive Care

University Medical Center

Associate Professor & Associate Program Director: Medicine & Pediatrics Residency Program

Tulane University School of Medicine, Louisiana

Dr William E Rosa 

Assistant Attending Behavioral Scientist

Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences 

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York

Dr. Joseph Clark

BA, MA, PhD, FHEA

Lecturer in Global Palliative Care

Wolfson Palliative care Research Centre Hull York Medical School,

University of Hull

Dr. Frank Patrick Brennan

MBBS, DCH, Dip. Obs, LLB(Hons.), FRACP, FACLM, FAChPM

Palliative Care Consultant 

Department of Nephrology 

St George Hospital, New South Wales, Australia

We provide care in outpatient, inpatient, and consultation settings.

Outpatient Services (Monday to Saturday) - For patients who do not need hospitalization, we offer:

• Symptom Management

• Psychosocial Support

• Advance Care Planning

• Caregiver Support and Education

Inpatient Services (All Days) - For patients requiring hospitalization, we provide:

• Acute symptom relief and complex symptom management

• Multidisciplinary Care

• End-of-Life Care, hospice care, and respite care 

Consultation-Liaison Services (All Days) - For patients in various care settings, we offer:

• Specialized Consultation: Expert advice on managing difficult symptoms.

• Complex Case Discussions: Support for healthcare teams and families in decision-making. 

• Ethical Guidance: Aid with end-of-life decisions and care transitions.

• Palliative Care in ICU: Symptom control and emotional support for critically ill patients.

Our aim is to ensure that every patient receives compassionate care and support, tailored to their unique needs.

Dedicated to integrating innovative research with compassionate clinical practice, the department is at the forefront of transforming palliative care delivery in India and beyond.

Our Research Vision

We strive to bridge gaps in palliative care through pioneering research that addresses patients' and their families' complex physical, psychological, social, and spiritual needs. By fostering interdisciplinary collaborations, our research focuses on advancing evidence-based practices, developing innovative care models, and improving the quality of life for individuals across diverse settings.

Research grants in the last 5 years 

List of Patents in last 5 years 

• Contribution towards development of Palliative Care guidelines for the National Cancer Grid of India 
  
• Contribution towards development of Tele-Medicine guidelines of Indian Council of Medical Research 
• Contribution towards Palliative Elderly Mental Health (PEM) program of Government of India
• Designated centre for conducting EPEC Palliative Care training program in collaboration with Northwestern University Chicago 
• Designated centre for conducting IACA Palliative Care training program in collaboration with MD Anderson USA
• Designated centre for conducting IAPC Palliative Care training program in collaboration with Indian Association of Palliative Care
• European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) designated centre for Integrated Oncology and Palliative Care 2022-2025 
• First and only centre in India, to be recognised as The International Reference Centre for End-of-Life Care by the International Collaborative for Best Care of the Dying Person. The international collaborative is a Europe based Organisation, situated in the University of Liverpool UK, with 22 member countries from the 6 continents, which plays a key role internationally in end-of-life care policy, education, and advocacy. 
• First centre in Asia to be certified by Multinational Association for Supportive Care in Cancer as Designated Centre for Excellence in Supportive Care in Cancer for the period of 2022 to 2025.  
• First centre in India to conduct International Master Classes on Renal, Pulmonary, Cardiology and Neurology Palliative Care
• First centre in India to develop guidelines on methodised action plan for limiting life-sustaining treatment and end of life.
• First centre in India to offer dedicated Renal Palliative Care Services and ICU Palliative Care Services 
• First Medical College (both Government and Private) in Karnataka to start MD Palliative Medicine Program
• First Private Medical College in India to start MD Palliative Medicine program
• Partner of CTC program for developing palliative care centres across India in collaboration with AIIMS Delhi and Asia Pacific Hospice Network Singapore
• ICMR Sanctions CAR Grant of 12.84CR for Multi-Centre Palliative Care Research Led by Prof. Naveen Salins and Dr. Arun Ghoshal to develop and assess a Multifaceted Comprehensive Appropriate Care Package (MCACP) inaugurated on 7/10/2025.

Dr Naveen Salins:

Awarded the position of the Commissioner, Lancet Commission on Human Crisis of Cancer. 

Awarded the position of the Commissioner, Lancet Commission on Serious Respiratory Illness.

Outstanding Alumni Award 2024 – Lancaster University UK.

Awarded the Cynthia Goh Leadership Fellowship – Asia Pacific Hospice Network.

Dr Anuja Damani:

Assumed the role of the Director of The Education in Palliative and End-of-Life Care – India Project (EPEC-India) 

Awarded the prestigious ICMR DHR Faculty PhD Position with Grant of INR 50,00,000 for conducting the PhD Study.

Dr Krithika Rao:

Pediatric Palliative Care Leadership Course award by St Jude Children’s Hospital and Research Centre, USA and Two Worlds Cancer Collaboration, Canada

Dr Arun Ghoshal:

Awarded the prestigious ICMR DHR Faculty PhD Position with Grant of INR 50,00,000 for conducting the PhD Study.

For more information about the department please click this link for the video: Click here to watch

Why choose MD Palliative Medicine at KMC Manipal?

The National Medical Commission (NMC) approved the MD Palliative Medicine course in 2021. Since then, it has gained national and international recognition.

The department provides specialized care for both cancer and non-cancer conditions. It offers dedicated services in pediatric, renal and ICU palliative care. Plans are in place to expand services to pulmonology, gastroenterology, neurology, neurosurgery and cardiology

Key Features of the Department:

✔ Outpatient Services – Comprehensive patient care.
✔ Inpatient Unit – Dedicated acute palliative care services.
✔ Consultation-Liaison Services – Collaboration with other specialties.
✔ Manipal Hospice and Research Project – Expanding end-of-life care and research.

Specialized Services: 

1. Oncology Palliative Care 

The department is a part of the Manipal Comprehensive Cancer Care Center and provides palliative care for cancer patients throughout their journey—from diagnosis to survivorship or end-of-life care. Our team helps manage cancer pain, treat complex symptoms, and support decision-making at every stage. We integrate palliative care alongside curative treatments, aid with transitions to survivorship, and provide compassionate end-of-life care when needed.

2. Pediatric Palliative Care

We provide specialized palliative care in pediatric oncology, neonatology, and general pediatrics, ensuring comprehensive support for children with serious illnesses. Our team focuses on expert symptom management to relieve pain and distressing symptoms while enhancing comfort and quality of life. Additionally, we offer family support, guidance in complex medical decisions, and long-term care planning to help families navigate the challenges of chronic and life-limiting conditions.

3. Renal Supportive Care 

For patients with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD), we provide specialized care that includes symptom management, decision-making support, advance care planning, and integration of palliative care with ongoing nephrology treatments. Our approach focuses on improving quality of life, managing treatment-related challenges, and offering compassionate support for patients and their families at all stages of the disease.

4. ICU Palliative Care 

We collaborate with intensive care units to assess patients with limited prognosis and recognize when aggressive treatment may not be beneficial. Our team facilitates compassionate communication with families, guiding them through complex medical decisions. We also provide specialized end-of-life care, ensuring comfort and dignity for patients in critical settings.

5. Chronic Pain Division 

Our team provides specialized medical support for chronic pain in both cancer and non-cancer conditions, using a patient-centered approach. We focus on effective pain management through medical interventions, psychosocial support, physical rehabilitation, and self-management education. Our goal is to reduce pain, enhance emotional well-being, and improve overall quality of life.

Expert Faculty - The department has experienced faculty members trained at leading national and international institutions. They are actively involved in education, research, and policy initiatives. You can learn more about them by visiting the following link.

https://manipal.edu/kmc-manipal/department-faculty.html

Academic and Research Opportunities

Our structured academic program equips trainees with essential skills in palliative medicine.

🔹 Regular Academic Activities:

·      Subject Seminars, Journal Clubs, Case Presentations, and Grand Rounds.

·      Peer Learning and End-of-Life Care Reviews.

🔹 Practical Training:

·      Hands-on experience in clinical practice.

·      National teaching programs.

🔹 Workshops:

·      Training in advanced communication and interventional procedures.

·      Professional development sessions.

🔹 Research & Publishing:

·      National and international research opportunities.

·      Manuscript writing, academic publishing, and global conference presentations.

·      Institutional and international funding support.

This integrated approach ensures trainees gain expertise in clinical care, leadership, ethics, and medical education, preparing them for excellence in palliative medicine.     

What are the core competencies pursued during MD Palliative Medicine training?

Our program offers competency-based training in symptom management, supportive care, and psychosocial support. It emphasizes teamwork, ethical decision-making, leadership, and research.

Key Competencies:

✔ Symptom and Pain Management – Understanding pain and symptom pathophysiology, using effective assessment tools, and applying pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions.

✔ Psychosocial and Spiritual Support – Addressing emotional, social, and spiritual needs through interdisciplinary collaboration.

✔ Cultural Sensitivity & Patient-Centered Care – Providing care aligned with individual values, beliefs, and social backgrounds.

✔ Clinical Decision-Making – Making evidence-based choices for symptom control and disease management.

✔ Advanced Illness Management – Handling complex co-morbidities, complications, and medical emergencies.

✔ Palliative Care Across Settings – Delivering specialist care in outpatient, inpatient, home, and hospice environments.

✔ End-of-Life Care – Recognizing terminal phases and guiding patients and families through end-of-life decisions.

✔ Communication & Interpersonal Skills – Managing difficult conversations, breaking bad news, and fostering trust through empathy.

✔ Leadership, Teaching & Research – Leading teams, mentoring trainees, and advancing palliative care through research.

This structured training ensures postgraduates develop clinical, ethical, and research expertise to excel in palliative medicine.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

What are the career opportunities after MD Palliative Medicine?

The demand for palliative medicine specialists is increasing due to rising cancer and chronic illness cases. Expanding palliative care services across hospitals and academic institutions has opened diverse career paths.

Career Prospects:

🏥 Academic Roles – Faculty and consultant positions in medical colleges with MD/DNB Palliative Medicine programs.

🏥 Hospital-Based Practice – Consultant roles in private and corporate hospitals.

🏥 Government & NGO Sectors – Consultant positions in palliative care centers under government, trusts, and NGOs.

🏥 Subspecialization – Further specialization in pediatric palliative care, pain management, or research.

🌍 International Opportunities – Pursue a PhD in Palliative Care at universities in the UK, Canada, USA, Europe, and Australia.

With growing global recognition, specialists can contribute to clinical practice, education, research, and healthcare policy in palliative medicine.

Visit and Contact Us

🌐 Website: Department of Palliative Medicine and Supportive Care
 📧 Email: pmd.kmc@manipal.edu
 📞 Phone: +91-820-2922221