Editor, 

REFERENCE IS made to Dr Christian Ntizimira’s article, "Care beyond cure: Why medics must still rise to the occasion” (The New Times, March 5). 

Dr Ntizimira deserves commendation for this great educational article about palliative care. The concept of care beyond cure is often missed amidst medical necessities of the many. Yet, even as they are dying, patients become only too human with all the physical, psychological and spiritual needs that have been at the heart of our very existence. 

A life remains precious until the very end, still inhabited with a mind and soul. Alleviating suffering through palliative care soothes not only physical pain, but also the very essence of which we are – our spirit.

It is the recognition when we are at that crossroads, at the dusk of our life – facing the unknown – which it still matters.

Diyana, Rwanda