WHO hails previous BRS govt for palliative care programs in Telangana

Hyderabad: A recent report by the World Health Organization (WHO) has commended the palliative care programs initiated by the previous BRS government in Telangana.

WHO's 'Expanding Availability and Access to Palliative Care' report, presented by palliative care experts from Southeast Asia, specifically praises Telangana's special initiative for terminally ill patients, stating that "the planning and implementation of the palliative care services in Telangana has been remarkable."

Launched in collaboration with voluntary organizations, the ongoing palliative care program in Telangana stands out for its successful collaboration between the government and civil service organizations (CSOs).

The report highlights how the government leveraged the skills and expertise available to CSOs, showcasing a model collaboration that significantly contributes to expanding the availability and access to palliative care.

Recognizing palliative care as fundamental to health and dignity and considering it a basic right for patients, the former BRS government took a groundbreaking step by introducing an initiative in India that provided palliative care treatment facilities at the doorstep of patients.

“The main purpose of palliative care centers is to help those who are in the final stages of cancer and organ failure survive as long as possible,” said a BRS spokesperson.

Financial assistance and Mobile Home Care Units (MHCU) in the form of mobile vans were provided, enabling healthcare workers to travel to the houses of terminally ill patients.

WHO report underlines the success of the joint efforts between the government and CSOs in Telangana, stating that it can serve as a useful model for others working in the field of palliative care.

The palliative care initiative not only delivered services but also enhanced the skills of field-level healthcare workers. In addition to direct care, the CSOs took on the task of capacity building and awareness-raising among district health officials, including Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA), Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs), staff nurses, and medical officers at all levels of the public health system.

The government is currently operating eight palliative centres in Adilabad, Yadadri, Khammam, Siddipet, Janagam, Warangal Urban, Rangareddy, and Mahabubnagar.