Working hours - Medical Team : 9:30 am to 5:30 pm Please contact a member of your Team or the office +91 829 192 2344 After working hours for medical emergencies : Please contact a member of your Team orĀ +91 885 038 0121Ā Ā /+91 989 295 3458 Office details available on the CONTACT US section

The Palcare Team

THE PALCARE TEAM

The Medical team is the heart beat of the organization. Every patientā€™s wellbeing is the teamā€™s primary concern and no efforts are spared to make the patient physically comfortable, pain free and emotionally assured. Be it pouring rain or blistering heat, the team visits the patient and family at their home weekly, fortnightly, monthly – as the patientā€™s condition may require.

The Medical team comprises doctors, nurses and counsellors. They work as units – comprising one doctor, 2 to 3 nurses and one counsellor per unit. They divide Mumbai into zones, each unit handling a zone. With a multidisciplinary approach, each unit plans and monitors the medical protocol, liaises with the patientsā€™ GP, Oncologist/Radiologist and provides feedback to the Senior Medical Officer.

Meet the PALCARE team:

  • Our Doctors:

    DR.Santona Pal

    DR. SANTONA PAL
    General Manager, Clinical Services & Senior Medical Officer

    With an M.B.B.S. and internship from prestigious R.G. Kar Medical College, Kolkata, Dr. Pal completed her CCDM specialty in Diabetes Mellitus. She brings with her over 13 years of diverse clinical experience in the field of medicine with a specialty in Diabetes Mellitus. She was associated with very well-known healthcare institutions based out of Chennai, Kolkata, and Mumbai. She has also had her own private practice and was associated with many healthcare-related social activities. Dr. Santona has most recently completed her National Fellowship in Palliative Medicine from the Institute of Palliative Medicine, Kozhikode, Kerala.

    Dr. SANDEETA SHETTY

    Dr. SANDEETA SHETTY
    General Manager, Clinical Services & Senior Medical Officer

    Dr. Sandeeta Shetty, Senior Medical Officer at PALCARE, obtained both her MBBS and MD in Pharmacology degrees from Padmashree Dr. DY Patil University, Navi Mumbai. Dr. Shetty then went on to complete a certificate course in the Essentials of Palliative Care at the Cipla Palliative Care and Training Centre, Pune, which was followed by a fellowship in Palliative Medicine & Pain Management under Dr. Mahesh Menon at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital who she came highly recommended to us from. Dr. Shetty is currently pursuing an MSc in Palliative Medicine through Cardiff University in Wales.

    Her work experience includes serving as a Medical Registrar under Dr. Farokh Udwadia, Dr. Zarir Udwadia and team at Breach Candy Hospital as well as Medical Consultant in Medical Affairs. In her time with us, Dr. Shetty has proven herself to be a very dedicated and knowledgeable physician who is capable of building excellent rapport with both patient and family. She is certainly a great addition to our medical team.

    DR. AMANJEET KAUR 

    DR. AMANJEET KAUR
    Medical Officer

    Dr. Amanjeet Kaur obtained her MBBS degree from Dr. DY Patil Medical College in Navi Mumbai. Thereafter, she served as Medical Registrar at Sion Hospital for almost a year under Dr. Trupti Trivedi.

    She subsequently worked as Medical Registrar under the direction of Drs. Farokh Udwadia and Dr. Zarir Udwadia for three and a half years followed by a post at Breach Candy Hospital as Surgical Intensive Care (SICU) Registrar. In her leisure time, she enjoys playing the harmonium.

    Dr. Amanjeet carries out her duties as a palliative care physician at PALCARE with great dedication, intelligence and commitment, and wins over the hearts of her patients with her calm and measured demeanour.

    DR. PRANJAL RAMUGADE

    DR. PRANJAL RAMUGADE
    Medical Officer

    Dr. Pranjal Ramugade, Medical Officer at PALCARE, obtained her MBBS from the Maharashtra University of Health Science, Nashik. Dr. Ramugade subsequently completed a fellowship in Palliative Care from the Institute of Palliative Medicine in collaboration with the World Health Organization and St. Christopherā€™s Hospice as well as a certificate course in Palliative Care from the Australian Healthcare and Hospital Association (AHHA).

    Her work experience includes three years with the Department of Medicine at Breach Candy Hospital, and two years in the Intensive Care Unit at Sir H.N. Reliance Hospital after which she went on maternity leave prior to joining PALCARE in October 2022. In her spare time, Dr. Ramugade enjoys dabbling in adventure sports, reading novels, travelling, and participating in activities which promote social service. From her college days, she has been involved in organizing blood donation camps.

    DR. PANKAJ BHOIR

    DR. PANKAJ BHOIR
    Medical Officer (MO)

    Dr. Pankaj Bhoir, holds a Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery from Dr. D.Y. Patil School of Ayurveda and Research Institute, Nerul, Navi Mumbai. He has also completed an MBA in Healthcare and Hospital Management from the National Institute of Business Management, Chennai. His work experience includes serving as Residential Medical Officer at Dr. Acharya Pediatric Hospital and Yash Childrenā€™s Hospital, Kalyan, Medical Officer at Wockhardt Hospital and Medical Officer at the Mumbai Onco-Center and Asian Cancer Institute. He has participated in many healthcare-related social activities like health checkup camps, blood donation camps.

    In his leisure time Dr. Pankaj enjoys trekking, traveling to new places, horse riding and sports. He is a professionally trained animal rescuer and has worked with local NGOs and the fire brigade to rescue snakes and other animals.

    DR. SHAZIYA KHAN 

    DR. SHAZIYA KHAN 
    Medical Officer (MO)

    Dr. Shaziya Khan completed her Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery from YMT Homeopathic Medical College, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai in 2016 after pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from R.J. College, Mumbai. Prior to joining PALCARE, Dr. Shaziya worked as a Ward Medical Officer at the Asian Institute of Oncology in Sion where she gained much exposure to cancer patients. She has also served as a Medical Officer at K.J. Somaiya Hospital & Research Center as well as Astha Health Care Hospital.

    Dr. Shaziya brings with her a keen openness to deepen and expand her knowledge as well as a warm and compassionate spirit with a gentle and caring manner. In her free time, she enjoys travelling, sports and film.

    DR. VIDHI MEHTA 

    DR. VIDHI MEHTA
    Medical Officer

    Dr. Vidhi Mehta completed her Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery from CMP Homeopathic Medical College, Vile Parle, Mumbai in 2018. Prior to joining PALCARE, she served as Ward Medical Officer in the Comprehensive Thalassemia Centre, Pediatric Hemato Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplant Centre {CTC PHO BMT Centre}, Borivali where she gained much exposure to cancer patients. She has also served as an ICU Medical Officer at Karuna Hospital.

    In her free time, she enjoys indulging in travelling, dance and cooking.

  • Our Psychosocial counsellors:

    DEVAUNSHI SAMPAT MEHTA

    DEVAUNSHI SAMPAT MEHTA
    Chief Psychologist & Strategist

    Devaunshi Sampat Mehta is PALCAREā€™s psychologist and a senior member of the team, helping the Founder with strategic planning and marketing. She has been with PALCARE since its inception and is one of its pillars ā€“ always ready to help her colleagues and give her best to her patients. A Masters in Arts with a specialization in Counselling from SNDT University, she has completed a training programme in counselling in palliative care at the Palliative Care Department in Tata Memorial Centre (TMC), Mumbai. She has specialized in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy at the Beck Institute of Cognitive Therapy, Philadelphia. She has six years of working experience at Aangan Trust and MANAV Foundation as a psychologist. Devaunshi is a great lover of animals. In her leisure time she is into adventure sport, trekking and bonding with nature.


    Jarvis. K Varghese

    JARVIS. K VARGHESE
    Psychologist

    Jarvis. K Varghese holds a Masterā€™s degree in Clinical Psychology from SNDT university, Mumbai and a Post graduate diploma in Music therapy from Chennai School of Music therapy, Chennai. She has a wide range of experience, over 7 years, as a mental health professional. Her exposure ranges from counselling for teenagers, the LGBTQ community, married couples and others. She has a keen interest in research and would like to pursue a Ph.D. in the field of cancer care. In her leisure time she enjoys indulging in reading, painting, playing musical instruments and singing.

    SWATI BAID

    SWATI BAID
    Psychologist

    With varied experience in the fields of Special Education, Counseling, Remedial Education, Life Skills Coaching, Coordination, Teacher Training and Research, Swati Baid has recently joined the Palcare team as a psychologist. She has pursued her Masters in Human Development and Post Graduate Diploma in School Counselling from SNDT University, Mumbai.

    Prior to joining Palcare, Swati worked as an Education Officer at an NGO called Mumbai Mobile Creches and as a Lecturer at SNDT University spreading awareness & knowledge and advocating for Individuals with Special Needs. She has also interned at the psychiatric unit at TATA Memorial Hospital and at various development centers for special individuals.

    She has participated & presented papers in National level research competitions and has furthermore bagged awards at District level Inter University Research competitions and Inter collegiate research competitions. Her research has been published in the Journal of the Sustaining Excellence in Early Childhood Education and the International Journal for Innovative Research in Multidisciplinary Field. In her leisure time, Swati enjoys travelling, trekking, listening to music and spending time with her beloved grandfather.

    Divya Gidithuri

    DIVYA GIDITHURI
    Psychologist

    Divya Gidithuri holds a Masterā€™s degree in Counselling Psychology from SNDT Womenā€™s University. She has over four years of experience in providing psycho-socio-legal aid to survivors of abuse, trauma and individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community. Her approach is primarily based on somatic experiencing while taking a more trauma-focused and compassion-focused perspective towards her patients and their families. Additionally, she loves animals, is passionate about rescuing animals in need and hopes to pursue a Diploma in Animal Assisted Therapy in the future.

    Jay Matolia

    JAY MATOLIA
    Psychologist

    Jay Matolia is a Psychologist with PALCARE. He completed his Master of Science degree with a specialization in Counselling Psychology from Christ (Deemed to-be) University. He has worked extensively with the LGBTQIA+ community and has also worked around relationship issues, self-esteem, and more. In terms of therapy tools, he employs humanistic approaches. As far as hobbies are concerned, Jay loves hiking, listening to music and observing life as it unfolds around him.

    Shruti Mukhopadhyay

    SHRUTI MUKHOPADHYAY
    Psychologist

    Shruti Mukhopadhyay holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from SNDT University, Mumbai. Her experience in the field is varied and includes working as a shadow teacher, providing geriatric counseling, working in Lokmanya Tilak Municipal General Hospital as well as the oncology department of various hospitals such as KEM Hospital, B.J. Wadia Hospital and B.Y.L. Nair Hospital in Mumbai.

    Shruti is compassionate, empathetic and is an active listener who likes to follow an eclectic approach in her work. She’s very passionate about music and loves singing and playing the ukulele in her leisure time.

  • Our Nurses:

    Pratibha Sawalkar, Priyanka Girkar, Ashwini Mohite, Seema Patil, Supriya Tiwarekar, Priti Jadhav, Ishwari Lingayat, Maria Pereira, Priti Panchal, Shweta Chauhan, Ankita Mhatre, Snehal Palkar, Sakshee Pawara

    PALCARE NURSES
    Pratibha Sawalkar, Priyanka Girkar, Ashwini Mohite, Seema Patil, Supriya Tiwarekar, Priti Jadhav, Ishwari Lingayat, Maria Pereira, Priti Panchal, Shweta Chauhan, Ankita Mhatre, Snehal Palkar, Sakshee Pawara 

    Pratibha has been with PALCARE since the launch of the service. Priyanka, Ashwini, Supriya, Seema, Priti (Jadhav) joined later in that order. Following that, Ishwari, Maria, Priti (Panchal), Shweta, Ankita, Snehal and Sakshee came on board. All of our PALCARE  nurses show tremendous dedication, compassion and commitment, winning over the hearts of patients and families. They have all completed the ā€˜Six Weeks Certificate Course in Palliative Careā€™ conducted by Tata Memorial Centre and hold Diplomas in General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM). With time and experience, they have blossomed into experts in palliative care nursing.

    ELAINE FERNANDES

    ELAINE FERNANDES
    Medical Coordinator and Communications Executive

    Having lived a peripatetic life, Elaine relocated from the USA and Canada to Mumbai, the city of her birth, to settle near family. Elaine has studied in the UK & US and holds a Masterā€™s of Science degree in Microbiology. During her career, Elaine has worked in the areas of Oncology, HIV and Addiction. At PALCARE, she brings extensive experience in research and education. With a love for art, Elaine has exhibited abstract works in both solo and group exhibitions in the U.S. The themes her art has confronted include intimacy and isolation; transience and impermanence; the strengths and fragilities of the human condition and finding a way to reconcile with the way we are. Through the medium of poetry, she continues to search for a sense of home.

    EBEN FELIX

    EBEN FELIX
    Marketing Executive and Social Worker

    Eben Felix is PALCAREā€™S Marketing Executive and Social Worker. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree (English, Philosophy and Psychology) from Nagpur University. He has freelanced, consulted, volunteered and worked as a Communications Trainer, Copywriter, Social Worker and a Travel Writer. In Central Asia, where he spent 2.5 years, he worked as a Freelance Photographer and Videographer with a few startups. Eben has travelled and lived extensively all across the country, from cities to the remotest places in India. When he is not working, he is out on the streets with a camera strapped to his hand. Street photography is how he feels he makes some sense and order of the world!

  • Our Support Staff:

    Support Staff

    Ajit Katkoria ā€“ Chief of Accounts, Gracy Dā€™silva ā€“ Admin and HR Manager, Prakash Hegdeā€“ our full-time Accountant, Siddesh Muyle ā€“ our Data Entry and MIS officer, and Saakshi Bhuruk ā€“ Office Assistant, are a group of dedicated and committed PALCARE loyalists who silently make sure that all systems are working efficiently and smoothly. They form the backbone of the organization.