Integrating palliative care into public health system can boost access: StudyÂ
New Delhi, Nov 25
Integrating palliative care into the public health system can help universalise access and improve healthcare, according to a study.
Palliative care is a branch of medicine that aims to prevent and relieve the physical, social, and spiritual suffering of patients suffering from chronic life-limiting illnesses and their caregivers.
The World Health Organisation defines palliative care as ‘an approach that improves the quality of life of patients (adults and children) and their families who are facing problems associated with life-threatening illness’.
The study showed that nearly 7-10 million people require palliative care in India, but less than 4 per cent have access to it.
"With rising burden of chronic diseases in the country and associated suffering, there is an urgent need to improve access to palliative care from the public health system," Parth Sharma, Department of Community Medicine, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, told IANS.
The study led by the Association for Socially Applicable Research (ASAR), Pune, aimed to assess the geographical accessibility of palliative care in India and estimate changes in accessibility based on its delivery from different levels of the public health system.
Their analysis, published in ecancermedicalscience, showed that in 2022, India had 526 palliative care centres, with a density of four per 10 million population.
The highest densities were in Lakshadweep, Goa, and Kerala. The median (IQR) travel time to the nearest palliative care centers was 118 (71, 179) minutes, and 23.6 per cent, 39.8 per cent, and 71 per cent of people lived within 30, 60, and 120 minutes, respectively.
Rural areas had worse access than urban areas, with considerable variation across states.
While states like Kerala and Chandigarh had near-universal access, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Bihar had much lower coverage.
Notably, access improved significantly when palliative care was integrated into all levels of the healthcare system, stated the study.
The researchers stated that once the existing public health infrastructure is equipped with palliative care services, access to the ones in rural areas can be improved.
“Access to palliative care in India is limited, especially in rural areas. Expanding integration with the public health system could enhance access, ensuring more equitable care nationwide,†the researchers said.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Kerala showing the way again! Why can't other states learn from their healthcare model? The disparity between states is shocking - from near universal access in Kerala to almost nothing in Bihar. This needs urgent policy intervention.
As someone working in healthcare, I appreciate this research. However, I wish the study had more concrete recommendations on implementation. Just saying "integrate into public health system" isn't enough - we need specific funding models and training protocols.
Only 4% access is heartbreaking 💔 We talk about digital India and smart cities, but basic healthcare dignity for terminally ill patients is missing. This should be part of Ayushman Bharat scheme immediately!
The rural-urban divide in healthcare access continues to be a major challenge. 118 minutes median travel time means many patients can't access care when they need it most. Home-based palliative care models could be a solution.
Palliative care isn't just about medicines - it's about dignity, comfort and emotional support. So glad this study highlights the spiritual and social aspects too. Our elderly deserve better end-of-life care â¤ï¸
Good research from ASAR Pune. The numbers speak for themselves -
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