The science of taking care of the terminally ill through palliative care does not yet form part of the medical curriculum in our country. Although there are a few institutions doing some very good work, the task ahead is enormous, considering that cancer alone adds seven lakh terminal patients every year. If one were to count the unfortunate victims of other diseases too, the magnitude of the problem will become a little more apparent. While a lot remains to be done to reach even basic curative care to millions, extending palliative care is an even more complex task.

One way to begin is to try and teach palliative care to as many doctors, nursing personnel and socio-medical workers from all over the country. This is the primary aim behind The Dr K A Hamied Institute for Education and Research in Palliative Care Science set up by the Cipla Foundation.

The Institute was inaugurated on October 31, 1998, the birth centenary year of Dr K A Hamied, the founder of Cipla Ltd. Dr V D Karad, well known educationalist and UNESCO Chair Holder for Peace, Democracy and Human Rights, unveiled an artist's perspective of the proposed Institute building to mark the launch. Principal Bal Gadgil, Vice President of Symbiosis Centre, Pune was special Guest of Honour at the function. Dr Y K Hamied, Chairman and Managing Director of Cipla Ltd. and N A Raje, Managing Trustee of the Cipla Foundation were present on the occasion.