Project Context:
This role of ‘Palliative Care Physician’ is part of Defeat-NCD India Foundation’s Palliative Care
Programme. A 3-year initiative with Goa Medical College (GMC) is foreseen to establish OPD,
IPD, day-care, and home-based palliative care services. Key objectives include:
- Improving quality of life for patients with life-threatening illnesses.
- Reducing hospital readmissions through community-based care.
- Strengthening training for healthcare professionals and caregivers.
The project also focuses on raising awareness and enhancing palliative care capacity in primary and secondary healthcare settings and promoting policy-level advocacy to integrate palliative care into Goa’s health system.
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Position Title
Palliative Care Physician
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Reporting Manager
Team Lead and in close coordination with GMC Head of Oncology Department
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Contract
One-year consultancy contract, renewable annually based on performance, within the three year project duration
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Renumeration (CTC basis)
Around INR 1 lakh (will be determined based on qualifications and experience)
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Relationship (within the organization)
Multi-disciplinary team members in the program (DNCD and GMC)
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Relationship (Outside Organization)
Primary Care professionals Hospital colleagues, Community-based organizations
Brief Job Description:
- Identify and address the serious health-related distress of patients registered at the institution; develop and maintain related Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs):
- Help identify patients with palliative care needs address their concerns and ensure continuity of care up to and including end-of-life care and bereavement support through out-patient, in-patient, and home-based care settings.
- Provide consultation in palliative care, and assess the patients comprehensively – physical, emotional, social and spiritual
- Provide and execute a clinical care plan for managing the concerns
- Develop and coordinate individualized treatment plans in collaboration with patients, families and other healthcare providers
- Provide supportive care to the patient and family
- Lead quality improvement initiatives in palliative care services.
- Maintain adequate documentation of patient data and be able to contribute towards research
- Facilitate adequate communication with patient and family for empowering autonomy and clarity on goals of care and meet the general healthcare needs of the patient across settings including home-based care
- Ensure safe and appropriate use of Essential narcotic drugs
- Develop and execute processes to improve access and availability of opioid analgesics for medical use while preventing misuse and diversion
- Ensure updated knowledge of the medical use of opioids as per the Drug policy of India
- Complete the processes and ensure that the institution is an RMI as per the NDPS Act
- Stock, and dispense Essential narcotic drugs and maintain their records as mandated by the NDPS Act for an RMI
- Apply specific measures and procedures in the institution to ensure safe use of opioids
- Take leadership in training the team members and other professional personnel in the appropriate use of ENDs
- Use the ENDs to ensure an uninterrupted supply of essential medications and supplies for high-quality care
- Develop dynamic multi-disciplinary team (MDT) care for the registered
- Ensuring high-quality patient care by involving competent professionals from other disciplines and incorporating multi-disciplinary care as part of the palliative care services
- Working with the MDT, evolve a shared care plan and regularly review the same to ensure quality of life
- Empower and support MDT members to develop in their respective discipline
- Lead the educational activities of the team, the institution, and the community
- Provide guidance and training to healthcare professionals internally within the organization and externally about palliative care practices and principles
- Initiate and maintain relevant awareness and educational activities to integrate care concepts within the culture of the institution and professional community. Participate in advocacy efforts and community empowerment
- Organize the psychosocial and supportive programs for the patients and the caregivers
- Identify opportunities for growth of the PC unit and submit proposals accordingly to the governance team
- Escalate administrative concerns promptly suggesting solutions
- Prepare periodic reports on the activities of the PC unit and submit reports as per the template to the governance team
- Perform other duties as required and assigned by management
Qualifications: • MBBS/MD- Medical subject • Fellowship/ Certificate/ Diploma in Palliative care
Desirable: • Working in a diverse setting hospital. Primary care clinics • Passionate about patient care
Experience: • Minimum of 5 years of working in the healthcare settings • Palliative Care experience will be an advantage
Skills/Competencies:
Exemplify ethical behaviour, adhere to the practice of respect, confidentiality, beneficence and non-maleficence regarding patients, families, staff, and the organization.
Exemplify respectful behaviour with all members of the team and foster the dignity of each member in their role.
Educate patients /family on clinical condition, hands-on care needs, progress of disease, prognosis
Discuss and provide end-of-life care with empathy and religious/cultural sensitivity
Be available out-of-hours – for phone follow-up/triage
Update knowledge and skills of the science continuously
• Be the source of knowledge and support to the whole team • Perform other duties as required and report to the management
Note: The candidate should be eligible to work in India.
APPLICATIONS : Send your CV and a motivation letter explaining how you think your skills and experience make you a strong candidate for this position to [email protected] and [email protected] quoting the subject line : “Palliative Care Physician ”
Deadline for applications: 15th October 2025. Candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible. Applications will be received and evaluated on a rolling basis and the recruitment process may close early if we have enough suitable applicants and the project is confirmed by the Health authorities.
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted
For other openings at different locations, please visit our Careers page.
