Authors: Dr. P. V. Thorat, Prof. Malini Nathe, Prof. Radhika Raut, Prof. Saiyam.S. Chaturvedi, Dr. Sudhir V. Dhomane, Shrinivas Shivaji Pote
Abstract: India's approach to hospice and palliative care has evolved significantly over the past two decades, driven by a growing need for compassionate end-of-life care amidst an aging population and rising burden of chronic illnesses. This research explores quality hospice care centers across India, highlighting leading institutions such as Karunashraya in Bengaluru, Sparsh Hospice in Hyderabad, the Institute of Palliative Medicine in Kozhikode, Aastha Hospice in Lucknow, and CanSupport in New Delhi. These centers exemplify best practices in hospice care, combining medical support, emotional counseling, and family engagement, often free of cost or heavily subsidized. National efforts, including the development of the Minimum Standards for Palliative Care Programs by Pallium India and NABH accreditation, aim to standardize and improve care quality across centers. Centers recognized by international organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Association for Hospice and Palliative Care (IAHPC) demonstrate excellence through community outreach, home care, and professional training initiatives. Despite challenges in accessibility, awareness, and funding, the emergence of such institutions indicates progress toward equitable, patient-centered hospice care in India. Further investment in policy, public awareness, and medical training is essential to scale these models nationwide.
Published by: vikaspatanker