Around 7-8 lakh new cancer cases are detected annually in the country, with only 0.4 per cent patients having access to palliative care. City-based Cipla Palliative Care and Training Centre, with its homecare team is serving patients within the periphery of the district. Over 6,500 patients have been treated so far.

“The palliative care is very significant as far as cancer patients are concerned. The patients and their families are already drained financially. They need emotional and psychological support. We, at the centre, offer absolutely free of cost services including symptom and pain management and medicines,” said S V Iyer, trustee of Cipla Palliative Care and Training Centre.

Cipla has developed family care model, wherein one of the relatives of patients is allowed to stay with the patient at the centre. “The relatives are trained in how to take care of the patient, medicines etc. As per the requirement of the individual patient, the homecare team visits the homes. A team of trained volunteers, counsellors and doctors is involved in the process,” he said.

According to the National Cancer Registry Programme of the Indian Council of Medical Research, with around 20 to 25 lakh cancer patients in the country; 7 to 8 lakh new cancer cases are detected every year. India stands very low in providing palliative care services, even though there are more than seven million people suffering from life-limiting illnesses each year.

Speaking on the current scenario, he said, “Around 70 per cent of the cancer patients in the country required palliative care, due to late diagnosis. Palliative care plays important role right from diagnosis to the end. We focus on diversionary therapy, keeping the patients engaged in activities like music, art, meditation, so that their attention is diverted from pains to other things.”

Last year 466 patients were admitted and 237 patients were readmitted for palliative care while 234 home visits were done. Since last one year, Cipla has been catering to the need of those patients who don’t want to get admitted to the hospital and want to continue treatment at home.

 Over 40 patients are undergoing such kind of service. The homecare team reach out to the patients residing within 40-50 km from the city. Expressing need of awareness about palliative care, Iyer appealed to take advantage of the service.