Who are we?
Together with a few doctors in Australia, we have formed a non-profit organization called “PAALAM – The Bridge to Humanity (PBH) to address the significant gaps in Palliative Care services and support in Sri Lanka and among immigrant and multicultural populations in Australia. Our mission is to ensure that everyone with a terminal illness has access to comprehensive, culturally sensitive, and compassionate palliative care, regardless of their location, background, or beliefs.
Our main aim is to improve the palliative care services in Sri Lanka by providing medical training and teaching to the health and allied health professionals in palliative care along with along with administrative and financial support and psychological counselling. We also plan to conduct medical camps in rural areas on cancer screening and psychological issues including education against sexual abuse. We collaborate with other Australia and Sri Lanka based non-profit organisations.
Our Main Objectives
Our Committee
Comprises medical professionals with expertise in palliative care, cancer management, and psychological needs, along with other dedicated members.
Our Mission
✔ Provide financial assistance and training to improve palliative care infrastructure in Sri Lanka.
✔ Build new hospital wards and refurbish existing ones.
✔ Enhance home-based palliative care in Sri Lanka and regional India.
✔ Facilitate training for healthcare personnel in Sri Lanka through web-based learning, workshops, and structured training programs in Australia.
✔ Raise public awareness on the importance of palliative care and cancer screening/management through education workshops, medical camps, psychological support, and collaboration with local health education schemes in these regions.
✔ Provide psychological support and education to vulnerable populations.
✔ Partner with Australian and international non-profit organizations, healthcare professionals, and patient support groups.
✔ Extend health education, cancer screening, and palliative care services to immigrants and refugees in Australia.
✔ Expand our services to other developing nations in the Asia Pacific region with similar needs, contingent on success in Sri Lanka
Our Projects in Sri Lanka
Infusion Driver Donation
We donated an infusion driver (valued at $2500) to the Jaffna Teaching Hospital, enabling patients to receive Palliative Care treatment in the comfort of their own homes.
Dedicated Palliative Care Ward
We are funding a dedicated Palliative Care ward at the Tellipallai Government Cancer Hospital, including staff training and medical equipment. This ward will provide specialized end-of-life care to patients with terminal illnesses.
Additional Infusion Drivers
We plan to fund more infusion drivers for non-profit medical facilities in Sri Lanka, expanding access to Palliative Care services for patients in need.
Nurse-Led Home-Based Palliative Care
We are initiating a nurse-led home-based Palliative Care service in the northern province of Sri Lanka, providing patients with comprehensive care and support in their own homes.
Virtual Training Programs
We are developing virtual training programs for health professionals and Allied health staff in Sri Lanka, enhancing their skills and knowledge in Palliative Care.
Palliative Care Workshop
We plan to conduct a comprehensive Palliative Care workshop in Sri Lanka, training doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals in Palliative Care principles and practices.
Medical Camps
We will organize regular medical camps in rural areas of Sri Lanka, providing patients and families affected by terminal illnesses with access to medical care, psychological support, and counseling.
Women’s health
In collaboration with Days for Girls International, we educate girls on access to menstrual health and educate against sexual abuse.
Our Projects in Australia
Workshops and Presentations
We conduct workshops and presentations for immigrant populations, educating them on the importance of Palliative Care, its benefits, and how to access services in Australia. Our goal is to empower patients and caregivers with knowledge and resources to navigate the healthcare system effectively.
Successful Workshop for Canberra Tamil Seniors Association
On June 15, 2024, we successfully conducted a workshop for the Canberra Tamil Seniors Association, educating them on the importance of Palliative Care. We plan to replicate this success among other multicultural organizations, reaching a broader audience.
Palliative Care Navigator Pilot Project
We are collaborating with the ACT Palliative Care services to establish a pilot project for a culturally sensitive Palliative Care navigator. This navigator will have a deep understanding of South Asian culture and beliefs, providing tailored support to patients and caregivers from diverse backgrounds.
City2Surf Fundraising Event
Our members and supporters will participate in the City2Surf fundraising event on August 11, 2024, in Sydney. This event aims to promote Palliative Care awareness among Australian multicultural population.
PAALAM’s projects and services aim to provide comprehensive support to patients and families affected by terminal illnesses, improving their quality of life and reducing suffering.
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We kindly request you to join our journey with compassion via:
Name of Bank: ANZ BANK
Account type/Name: VANNI HOPE
BSB NO: 012-245
ACCOUNT NO: 4078-85066
Swift Code: ANZBAU3M
Please write “PAALAM” on your transaction as a reference and email your transaction records to paalam2humanity@gmail.com for us to issue taxreceipt in due course.
Note: Our sister organisation Vanni Hope will be assisting us with the implementation of our palliative care projects. All Australian deposits to Vanni Hope are Tax deductible.