In a recent report titled ‘Expanding Availability and Access to Palliative Care,’ the World Health Organization (WHO) has lauded the groundbreaking palliative care initiative introduced by the BRS government in Telangana. The report, presented by palliative care experts from Southeast Asia, commended the strategic planning and implementation of palliative care services in the region.
Highlighting the ongoing palliative care program in Telangana, which was established through a collaborative effort between the government and voluntary organizations, the WHO report praised the effective utilization of skills and expertise from civil service organizations (CSOs).
The previous BRS government was the first government in India to recognize palliative care as a fundamental right for patients and launched an initiative to provide doorstep palliative care treatment facilities. The government allocated financial assistance and deployed Mobile Home Care Units (MHCU), allowing healthcare workers to travel to the homes of terminally ill patients.
“The planning and implementation of palliative care services in Telangana has been remarkable, achieved through the joint efforts of the government and a CSO. It can serve as a useful model for others working in this area,” said the WHO report.
The KCR-led government has started free palliative care facilities to terminally ill patients in 33 districts. Annually, the BRS government spent around Rs. 30-35 lakh for each centre.
The WHO report emphasized that the Telangana model could serve as an inspiration for other regions, recognizing the comprehensive and collaborative efforts that have positively impacted the delivery of palliative care services in the community.