By Krsnabaladev Das
Urgent action is needed to improve access to hospice and palliative care: It is time to start dispelling the myths. World hospice and palliative care day is a day of celebration for the progress that has been made in reducing pain and suffering.. Bhaktivedanta Hospice celebrated Hospice & Palliative Care Day yesterday, October 14, 2014, in the town of Vrindavan, India and used the opportunity to dispel unhelpful myths and promote hospice and palliative care facts in the common man.
The event was presided by Mr. Mukesh Gautam, Chairman in Vrindavan, Ms. Anju Kaur, Secretary of the Women’s Wing of Congress in Uttar Pradesh and Dr. Avnish Pandey, Medical Director of Bhaktivedanta Hospice. 
Dr Avnish stated that although India has made progress, there are still millions of people around who do not have proper access to hospice and palliative care. Sensing this, Bhaktivedanta Hospice in Vrindavan has incorporated Palliative Care Services for people with life-limiting conditions in Vrindavan since 2008. Dr Avnish also urged the leaders to engage in Public education to dispel unhelpful myths and promote hospice and palliative care facts. He added that Hospice and Palliative care are essential for any national health care system to fully care for those with the most serious chronic illness. Palliative care is for all persons with limited life expectancy no matter what their disease or age. Palliative care is safe, effective and promotes dignity, comfort and support.
Mr.Gautamji and Ms..Anju Kaur stated, “Shockingly, 42% of countries do not have any identified hospice and palliative care services and 80% of people globally lack adequate access to medication for treatment of moderate to severe pain. This means that millions of people, especially in the developing world, are living and dying in unnecessary pain and distress.”
To ensure all those with life-limiting conditions are cared for with dignity and according to their wishes, Dr. Gopal Saraswat has called for nationally integrated hospice and palliative care health systems around the world. 
To conclude this event, awards were given to Mr. Jagganath Poddar of “Friends of Vrindavan” & Mr.Abhaya Vasishtha from “Prayas Foundation” for their contribution toward the society.