Kochi, March 4 : The Singapore International Foundation (SIF), in collaboration with Pallium India, has launched the Singapore-India: Palliative Care Accessibility Core Training (PACT) project to enhance palliative care services across India. This initiative marks a milestone in the 30-year partnership between SIF and India, focused on uplifting communities through healthcare and education.

The PACT project will bring together a team of Singapore International Volunteers (SIVs), including experts in geriatrics, palliative medicine, music therapy, and adult education. These specialists will work with healthcare professionals from 14 Indian states to improve clinical and non-clinical palliative care services. The program also includes a Leaders Roundtable in 2026, study visits to Singapore, and an online symposium for Indian healthcare professionals. Participants will receive training in managing complex symptoms, end-of-life care communication, and support for non-cancer patients with chronic conditions.

Dr. Ramaswamy Akhileswaran, Senior Palliative Medicine Consultant at Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, will lead the SIV team, mentoring 30 participants to become future trainers. The launch event in Kerala was attended by SIF Chairman Janadas Devan, Pallium India Chairman Binod Hariharan, and other dignitaries. The initiative builds on SIF’s past palliative care projects in Indonesia and China, contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for healthcare and global partnerships.