ICMR to launch multi-state study to expand palliative care services

In this regard, the ICMR has invited research teams to participate in this study. The selected groups are expected to collaborate with the State Governments and the ICMR to develop and implement this model. 

Palliative care primarily focuses on alleviating pain and improving the quality of life for patients suffering from cancer, neurological disorders, and severe chronic diseases. However, it remains largely out of reach for most Indians.   

According to the TOI media news report, studies estimate that 6.21 out of every 1,000 people in India require palliative care. The demand for such care is particularly high in rural areas and among the elderly. Globally, 56.8 million people require this type of care annually, the majority of whom reside in low- and middle-income countries. 

Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation estimates that serious health-related suffering will increase by 87% by 2060, driven primarily by an ageing population and the rapid rise in non-communicable diseases.

Despite this, access in India remains among the lowest globally. The primary reasons for this shortfall are a shortage of trained personnel, limited grassroots services, regulatory hurdles, and poor integration within the healthcare system.

The objective of the proposed study is to develop and test palliative care models in district hospitals, community health centres, primary health centres, and home-based settings that can be implemented on a large scale; this will encompass patients of all age groups and various types of diseases.

This will evaluate whether integrating palliative care into regular health services can improve coverage, reduce the burden of symptoms, lower hospitalisation rates, and cut costs for families.

Furthermore, public health experts state that this initiative could prove to be a turning point. If implemented effectively on a large scale, it could help ensure that patients not only live longer but also experience less suffering.