Johns Hopkins University (JHU) has partnered with the Ajit Isaac Foundation (AIF) to launch a state-of-the-art 63-bed palliative care hospital in Tumkur, Karnataka, targeting a launch date in early 2025. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on Nov 21. The initiative is aimed at addressing the significant shortfall in palliative care services in India, particularly in rural areas where access is limited.
According to the MoU, the Tumkur Center will provide compassionate care for terminally ill patients, ensuring dignity and comfort in their final stages. JHU will design a specialized curriculum and research fellowships to train healthcare professionals in palliative care.The collaboration will host events to share advancements in palliative care and promote global knowledge exchange.The initiative includes mentorship and training programs for caregivers, enhancing care in underserved regions.
This collaboration not only addresses the healthcare inequities in rural India but also sets a benchmark for the integration of education, research, and compassionate patient care. The Tumkur center will serve as a model for similar efforts nationwide, aligning with global standards in palliative care.
Reflecting on the partnership, Ronald J. Daniels, President of JHU emphasized on using evidence-based approaches to improve healthcare access and the quality of life for terminally ill patients.Ajit Isaac, Co-founder of AIFhighlighted the importance of skilled personnel, infrastructure, and resources in addressing India’s palliative care needs.
Expert Insights:
With nearly 20 years of dedicated experience in the field of oncology, he is a leading expert in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of various cancers. Known for his compassionate approach and commitment to advancing onco sciences, Dr. Singh has contributed significantly to improving patient outcomes through cutting-edge therapies and research. His expertise and leadership have made him a trusted name in cancer care across the region.
Dr. Abhishek Singh : https://gangasheel.com/team-of-doctors-at-gangasheel-hospital/best-oncologist-cancer-doctor-in-bareilly-dr-abhishek-singh-gangasheel-hospital.php
Current Status of Palliative Care in India:
Need Vs Access: Of the estimated 8-10 million Indians requiring palliative care annually, only 1–2% currently receive it, compared to a global average of 14%.
Urban-Rural Divide: Most palliative care centers are urban-centric, leaving underserved rural areas with little or no access to end-of-life care.
Service Availability: As per McDermott et al., 138 organizations provide hospice and palliative care services in 16 Indian states or union territories, primarily in urban centers and cancer institutions, except Kerala, which has a widespread network.
Kerala Model:
Over 60 units covering 12 million people.
Kerala introduced the first state palliative care policy in 2008.
The Calicut model is a WHO-recognized demonstration project for affordable, community-led care.
Key Institutions:
CanSupport (Delhi): 11 home-care teams support 80–85 patients weekly and offer daycare services.
Guwahati Pain and Palliative Care Society (GPPCS): Operates with 3 doctors, 32 volunteers, and covers additional towns in Assam.
Karunashraya Bangalore Hospice Trust: Offers home care and a 55-bed hospice.
Chandigarh Palliative Care Service: Integrates care with cancer treatments and extends services to neighboring towns.
Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology: Has provided palliative care for over a decade.
Challenges:
An estimated 6 million Indians require palliative care annually; only 1–2% receive it.
Limited pain relief access—less than 3% of cancer patients receive adequate treatment.
Strict regulations around opioids like morphine impede pain management.
Home-Based Care: Increasingly popular for its cost-effectiveness and alignment with cultural and family-driven caregiving practices. Over 88 home-care programs operate across India.
WHO-Inspired Models:
The Neighbourhood Network of Palliative Care (NNPC): Community-driven care with joint NGO-government efforts, recognized by WHO as a model for low-resource settings.
Policy Developments:
The 12th Five-Year Plan includes:
Allocation of 10% of cancer care budgets for palliative services.
4 dedicated palliative beds per district hospital.
Mandatory training for healthcare workers in basic palliative care.
Indian Government’s Role in Palliative Care:
The Government of India has a National Programme for Palliative Care (NPPC), launched under the National Health Mission in 2012, with the goal of improving access to palliative care services across the country. This initiative aims to provide compassionate care to individuals with life-limiting illnesses and their families, addressing physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs.
Objectives of the NPPC:
Policy and Advocacy: To create awareness and integrate palliative care into the existing health systems at all levels.
Capacity Building: Train healthcare workers, including doctors, nurses, and community health workers, to provide palliative care services.
Infrastructure Development: Establish palliative care units in district hospitals and tertiary care centers.
Community Involvement: Promote community-based care programs for patients who cannot access hospital-based services.
Research and Education: Encourage studies on palliative care and integrate it into medical and nursing curricula.
Key Components:
Community Participation: The program emphasizes home-based care through trained caregivers and community health workers.
Opioid Availability: It addresses barriers to accessing essential medications, such as morphine, for pain relief.
Awareness Campaigns: Educates the public and healthcare professionals about the importance of palliative care.
Achievements and Challenges:
Progress: NPPC has increased awareness and provided a framework for integrating palliative care into public health systems.
Challenges: Implementation remains uneven, with gaps in rural and underserved areas due to limited resources, trained professionals, and awareness.
The NPPC is a crucial step towards ensuring that terminally ill patients in India receive the dignity and care they deserve. Collaborative efforts, like those with Johns Hopkins University and other organizations, align with the government’s mission to make palliative care accessible to all.
Indian Association of Palliative Care:
The Indian Association of Palliative Care (IAPC) is a national organization dedicated to promoting and improving palliative care in India. Established in 1994, it serves as a platform for healthcare professionals, caregivers, and volunteers to collaborate and advance the field of palliative care. The association focuses on:
Education and Training: Providing specialized courses and certifications to train healthcare providers in palliative care practices.
Policy Advocacy: Working with the government and other stakeholders to shape policies that enhance palliative care services.
Community Outreach: Raising awareness about the importance of palliative care among the public and within the medical community.
Research and Development: Supporting research initiatives to improve the quality of life for patients with serious illnesses.
The IAPC also organizes conferences, workshops, and seminars to foster knowledge sharing and drive advancements in the field, ensuring that patients across India receive compassionate and holistic care.
Indian Journal of Palliative Care:
The Indian Journal of Palliative Care (IJPC) is a peer-reviewed, open-access publication by the Indian Association of Palliative Care (IAPC). Launched in 1995, the journal serves as a platform for sharing research, case studies, reviews, and insights in the field of palliative medicine. Its focus is to improve patient care and advance the practice of palliative care, particularly in the Indian context, while promoting global collaboration and knowledge exchange.
The IJPC is accessible online and caters to healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers, emphasizing the importance of holistic care for patients with life-limiting illnesses.
