The Indian Association of Palliative Care Launches Viral ‘Last Words’ Video

A new campaign to raise awareness of the importance of palliative care is starting important conversations about “the end.”

[Photo Source: Screenshot via YouTube]

A new campaign to raise awareness of the importance of palliative care is starting important conversations about “the end.” In the viral video—which has so far been viewed more than 66,000 times—the Indian Association of Palliative Care (IAPC) conducted more than 200 interviews with working and retired nurses across India. The IAPC used their words to send a powerful message to the nation. “When nurses across India recount the last words they have heard, it not just leaves a lump in the throat,” the video description stated, “but it raises the all-important question: do not the dying deserve dignity?” In the nearly three-minute video, nurses of all ages shared memories of patient’s final words, such as a secret family recipe for dal tarka or messages of love. One nurse recalled a 60-year-old man who had suffered a heart attack. His son was rushing back from America to be by his side but was unable to arrive in time—the patient’s last words to his nurse were, “Has my son reached?” While some patients looked for loved ones, others left messages for them. A nurse in the video remembered a young child, around 8-years-old, who said, “Say bye to Mummy.” Another nurse fought back tears recalling a patient who simply said, “Sorry” over and over. Check out the beautiful video bringing attention to an important cause. The reason the video chose to feature nurses is to highlight the issue that it is typically medical staff, rather than family, who surround patients when they pass away. Palliative care aims to change that—this type of end-of-life care, the video describes, gives patients “every possible comfort during their last days, including letting them spend time with loved ones.” These comforts include pain relief, which—according to the IAPC—only 1 in 100 Indian patients receives. Comments on the YouTube video, as well as tweets, reflected the impact of the video. “Speechless,” YouTube user, Jeet Tiwari, commended . “Extremely heartfelt.”

Here’s a cause that’s very close to our heart. Kindly share and spread awareness. #LastWords should not go unheard or unsaid.

— S.T. Bhαttαchαryαα (@iamsantonu03) February 24, 2016

Quality of Death should be as important as quality of Life… In support of palliative care.. #LastWords

— Sanabellydance (@SanaBellyDance) February 24, 2016

Dying with dignity is as important as living with it #LastWords https://t.co/gvyYt9BPMH

— Arshia Panagar (@arshiapanagar) February 24, 2016

According to the IAPC, more than 6 million people in India need palliative care, but not many know what it is or how it can help. According to the Association’s twitter feed, 99 percent of cancer patients in India do not have access to palliative care. “Should not the quality of death be as important as the quality of life? ” the video description stated. “The end is a new beginning in this direction.” The IAPC encourages viewers to sign the pledge at last words and to opt for palliative care for a better ending.