Thu, Nov 21, 2024
Oasis
Institute of Palliative Medicine, Kozhikode is the pioneer of palliative care movement in South East Asia, providing inpatient & outpatient care, homecare & rehabilitation and comprehensive training programs. It is the first WHO collaborating centre in developing countries and the first such initiative in the world to develop patient care withcommunity participation, which makes IPM more of a social initiator than a hospice care centre. IPM’s campus is located in Kozhikode Kerala, providing free palliative care services to patients across the district for over 30 years.
Recognizing the profound history of service and global impact of social interventions facilitated by the Institute of Palliative Medicine (IPM), the Indian Institute of Architects (IIA) Kerala Chapter, embarked on a collaborative endeavour aiming to enhance the campus infrastructure, paving the way for a sustainable long-term development and positioning it as a centre of excellence in the field. With Samagata Foundation, an organisation of young individuals supporting the whole causeIIA Kerala Chapter, along with the support of IIA Calicut Centre meticulously crafted a comprehensive masterplan for IPM, incorporating various enhancements; including redevelopment of the existing palliative block, introducing new support functions such as a library block, a media/classroom block, a laundry block , pavilions and other landscape elements to revitalise the whole campus. The process was named as “Oasis” symbolizing a place offering solace, support, and relief. Oasis is envisioned to foster increased public engagement within the campus raising awareness among people on the IPM’s vital functions, ultimately expanding its reach and impact.
What is Palliative Care?
Palliative care is a specialized medical approach focused on improving the quality of life for individuals facing serious illnesses or conditions. It aims to provide relief from those serious illnesses, associated symptoms, pain, and stress, while also addressing psychological, social, and spiritual needs. A team of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, social workers and volunteers work together to support patients and their families in navigating complex medical decisions and finding comfort and dignity in their journey. Unlike hospice care, palliative care can be provided at any stage of an illness and can be integrated with other curative treatments.
What does IPM do?
The Institute of Palliative Medicine is the training, research and outreach arm of the Pain and Palliative Care Society (PPCS). In addition to being a technical advisor to World Health Organization, IPM as an organisation has several other international palliative initiatives in countries like Bangladesh, Thailand, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Ethiopia and Switzerland.The IPM campus in Kozhikode, Kerala has 5 major activities; which include outpatient care, inpatient care, training & research, home careand rehabilitation. IPM aims to establish community based palliative care, cultivating care givers and patient care volunteers to provide a pleasant and comfortable environment for morbid patients. The palliative services provided by IPM are completely free of cost.
IPM’S in patient program
IPM’S training program
Collaboration with IIA
The physical campus of the Institute of Palliative Medicine (IPM), with its two-decade-old infrastructure, was in need of a significant spatial upgradeand contemporary facilities to align with its international reputation. Recognizing the importance of enhancing the campus to reflect the status of IPM as an international entity in the field of palliative care, the Indian Institute of Architects (IIA) Kerala Chapter, along with the social wing of IIA Calicut Centre, took a proactive step to assist in this endeavour. Understanding that IPM deserved a campus that not only met but exceeded global benchmarks, IIA with the support of Samagata Foundation, embarked on preparing a comprehensive masterplan for the institute. This social initiative is a part of IIA’s commitment to become a catalyst for positive change, utilizing its expertise and resources to contribute to the betterment of society. Representatives from the IIA Kerala Chapter, IIA Calicut Centre and IPM met together to discuss the potential of anew masterplan.
Initial meeitng - IIA represntatives with IPM represntatives
About Samagata
Samagata Foundation is a non-profit organisation in India that supports projects and ideasthat bring value to society. When IIA crossed paths withSamagata, a group of young mindswith a vision to support noble social causes, they offered their full support for the IIA’s IPM initiative, and agreed to financially support all the necessary processes required to make the masterplan project a successful endeavour.
Samagata foundation- located in Church Street, Bengaluru
Timeline: Key Milestones of the Oasis Project
02 October 2023: On World Architecture Day, IIA and IPM signed an MoU for a two-year collaboration to enhance palliative care services,IIA Calicut Centre hosted the IPM Master Plan workshop.
17 & 22 January 2024: Think Tank discussions were held at IIA Calicut Centre to refine the master plan.
29 January 2024: Proposal for the IPM Master Plan was presented to its representatives.
07 February 2024: IIA announced a national architectural competition to design a social plug-in for the IPM campus.
20 March 2024: The Oasis Idea Design Competition was launched on International Day of Happiness.
25 May 2024: Competition entries were reviewed by an international jury, and prizes were awarded.
04 & 13 June 2024: Discussions on competition ideas led to potential master plan interventions,Think Tank discussions analyzed design feasibility on-site.
01 July 2024: User surveys informed revisions to the master plan.
05 July 2024: The refined master plan proposal was approved by PPCS staff and volunteers.
18 July 2024: Design details for approved components were finalized.
06 August 2024: Consultations on project execution strategies began with experts.
26 August 2024: Discussions on execution strategies were held with IPM representatives.
24 September 2024: Preparations for site work included legal and financial planning.
17 October 2024: Project kick-off meeting prepared for construction commencement.
01 November 2024: Implementation of the IPM Master Plan officially began on-site.
This is just the beginning of the Oasis journey! We’ll be sharing more insights into the design interventions and strategies that are shaping the future of the IPM campus. Keep an eye on our blog for updates on this transformative project.