NEW DELHI: With under 1% of patients needing palliative care receiving it in India, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is preparing to initiate a multi-state implementation study aimed at developing and scaling palliative care services within the public health system.
Palliative care, which emphasizes pain relief and enhancing the quality of life for patients with serious illnesses such as cancer, neurological disorders, and advanced chronic conditions, remains largely inaccessible to many Indians. Studies indicate that approximately 6.21 per 1,000 individuals in India require palliative care, with a heightened demand in rural areas and among the elderly. Globally, around 56.8 million people necessitate such care each year, the majority residing in low- and middle-income countries.
Experts highlight that the demand for palliative care is expected to escalate sharply. The World Health Organization anticipates an 87% increase in serious health-related suffering by 2060, primarily due to aging populations and a rise in non-communicable diseases. Despite this anticipated need, access to palliative care in India remains among the lowest worldwide, impacted by factors including a shortage of trained personnel, limited grassroots services, regulatory challenges, and poor integration within the healthcare system.
The implications for families can be severe, as inadequate access often results in high out-of-pocket costs and significant caregiver burdens, particularly for those requiring long-term or home-based care.
The proposed study intends to develop and test scalable palliative care models across district hospitals, community health centres, primary health centres, and home-care settings, encompassing patients of all ages and various illnesses. The study will assess whether integrating palliative care into routine health services can enhance coverage, alleviate symptom burdens, reduce hospitalization rates, and lessen financial strain on families.
ICMR is soliciting participation from research teams, with selected groups expected to collaborate with state governments and the ICMR to design and implement the care model. Public health experts suggest that this initiative could represent a significant shift, potentially enabling patients not only to live longer but also to endure less suffering.
