Report on the Inaugural Program of Certificate Course in Geriatrics & Palliative Care for Caregivers

The Certificate Course in Geriatrics and Palliative Care for Caregivers is a collaborative initiative of Manipal College of Nursing (MCON), MAHE, with the support of Manipal Foundation, Centre for Elderly Care Education and Research, Manipal Hospice and Respite Care Centre (MHRC), KITES Senior Care, Bengaluru, and Prasanna School of Public Health (PSPH). The program has been developed to address the growing need for trained caregivers who can provide comprehensive care to older adults and individuals requiring palliative care. Through this unique partnership, the collaborating institutions bring together their expertise in geriatric care, palliative care, public health, caregiver training, and community engagement. The Manipal Foundation and KITES senior care, MHRC have played a pivotal role in supporting the program through funding, extended support for specialized training, and clinical exposure.

The inaugural program of the Certificate Course in Geriatrics and Palliative Care for Caregivers was held on 15^th July 2026 at 2.15 PM at the Medical Education Hall, 2nd Floor, Library Building, MAHE, Manipal.

The program commenced with an invocation followed by a welcome address and overview of the certificate course delivered by Dr. Shashidhara Y. N., Course Coordinator & Professor, Department of Community Health Nursing, Manipal College of Nursing, and Assistant Director, Center for Doctoral Studies, MAHE, Manipal. He highlighted the objectives, structure, training components, and significance of the course in preparing competent caregivers to meet the growing needs of geriatric and palliative care services.

Dr. Anil Raj, Geriatric Centre Coordinator, MCON, MAHE, introduced the Chief Guest, Major General (Dr.) Mathews Jacob, (VSM) Pro Vice Chancellor - Health Sciences, MAHE, Manipal. In his inaugural address, the Chief Guest emphasized the growing demand for trained caregivers and expressed appreciation for the program's vision and the collaborative efforts of the partner institutions.

The Guest of Honor, Dr. Rajgopal G., Co-founder and CEO of KITES Senior Care, was introduced by Dr. Reema Nadig, Co-founder and COO of KITES Senior Care. In his address, Dr. Rajgopal highlighted the importance of professional caregiver training and the expanding opportunities in elder care services and future opportunities, as there is a growing demand for caregivers.

Mr. Harinarayan Sharma, CEO, Manipal Foundation, was introduced by Mrs. Linsy Mathew, Faculty Coordinator, Manipal Foundation, and Assistant Professor-Senior Scale, Manipal School of Commerce and Economics, MAHE. Addressing the gathering online, he expressed his appreciation for the initiative and reaffirmed the Foundation's commitment to supporting programs that strengthen community and elderly healthcare services.

Dr. Judith A. Noronha, Dean, Manipal College of Nursing, addressed the gathering and encouraged participants to utilize the learning opportunities provided through the program and become compassionate and competent caregivers. She also appreciated the efforts of the coordinator and the team.

The program concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Dr. Anil Raj, who expressed gratitude to the Chief Guest, Guest of Honour, Advisor, collaborating organizations, faculty members, participants, and all stakeholders for their support and encouragement. He also acknowledged the presence and support of Dr. Naveen Salins, Director, Directorate of Research, MAHE, and Dr. Chythra Rao, Incharge Director, PSPH. Special acknowledgment to Dr. Seema Rao, Director, MHRC, Manipal, for supporting and guiding in the implementation of the course, and he also appreciated the efforts of Ms. Ananya, Project Research Scientist I, ELDER- AID ICMR Project, and Ms. Sarah, PhD Scholar, for coordinating and supporting the certificate course.

The inaugural program marked the successful launch of a pioneering caregiver training initiative and reflected the shared commitment of MCON, Manipal Foundation, MHRC, KITES Senior Care, PSPH, and MASS Foundation towards strengthening the caregiving workforce for the aging population. This initiative is aligned with SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), and SDG 4 (Quality Education). The program was attended by 40 participants.

All the distinguished guests and dignitaries highly appreciated the efforts of Dr. Judith A. Noronha, Dean, Dr. Shashidhara Y N, and the MCON team for their coordination and dedication in conceptualizing and implementing this certificate course.