APHC2025 Report: Dr. Malar Velli Segarmurthy

Dr. Malar Velli is a recipient of MHPCC Travel Grant for APHC2025. She is an individual member of MHPCC.

I won a travel grant by MHPCC to attend and present a poster at the Asia Pacific Hospice and Palliative care conference 2025 in Kuching Sarawak. As a Public health professional, palliative care very close to my heart. It is unique because many professions come together for one common cause which is to improve quality of life for those dealing with serious health-related suffering.

We had palliative care physicians, public health physicians, GPs, health administrators , policymakers, nurses, MAs, hospice staffs, volunteers, religious support groups and so many more. It's so nice to see everyone who is so passionate, going an extra mile to extend care within and beyond hospital walls. People speaking about their success stories inspiring others to do the same. The spirit of wanting to give "just a little bit more to those with palliative care needs" was painted across the rooms!

What started as an act of compassion many years ago, to cloak with comfort, has made waves globally... the scope of service has broke the walls of hospitals and institutions, beyond the horizons of healthcare , extending to the common man out there...

It was a blessing to see all these people come together, filling the arena with love, compassion and a common cause...to challenge the status quo improving quality of lives for those dealing with serious health related suffering. It's all coming from a place of love of course.

On a side note, I'm always happy when I meet my mentors Dr Richard Lim and Prof Nirmala Bhoo Pathy.... Never one conversation with them without great insights and good words for me to do better.

Beyond words, for the amazing offers for collaborations and what the future holds to improve palliative care locally!