Udupi: Manipal Academy of Higher Education (Mahe) will observe World Hospice and Palliative Care Day (WHPCD) on Oct 10 through initiatives to raise awareness about palliative care for people with serious and life-limiting illnesses.WHPCD-2026, observed globally on the second Saturday of October, will focus on the theme “Pain management: An essential part of palliative care.”Manipal Hospice and Respite Center (MHRC) will organise ‘Run and Ride for Dignity’ on Oct 10. Runners and cyclists from clubs across Karnataka will cover about 68km from Corporation Circle near Lalbagh in Mangaluru to MHRC in Manipal, beginning at 5.15am.Mahe pro-chancellor Dr HS Ballal said on Tuesday that palliative care must be regarded as an extension of healthcare and made accessible to everyone who needs it. He said Mahe was India’s only university to establish such a hospice within its health system and its services were provided free.Vice-chancellor Dr Sharath K Rao said Mahe intended to develop palliative-care models suited to India and Southeast Asia.MHRC director and consultant in palliative medicine Dr Seema R Rao said pain, a major fear among patients with serious illnesses, could be effectively managed in most cases. She encouraged families and doctors to approach the centre early rather than only during a patient’s last few days.MHRC began admitting patients on Sept 1, 2025, with 10 operational beds. It has expanded to 40 beds and cared for 694 patients while supporting more than 1,300 family caregivers during its first year.The centre plans to expand to 65 beds this year, focusing on neuropalliative care, and to 100 beds in 2027. Admission is through the outpatient clinic of Kasturba Medical College’s department of palliative medicine and supportive care in Manipal, from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday.MHRC is supported by Harish & Bina Shah Foundation, Siemens, Manipal Foundation and other donors. Mahe has also announced a partnership with Axis Bank to support the centre.
