The Maharashtra government’s Public Health Department, under the guidance of Health Minister Prakash Abitkar, has launched a special campaign in Gadchiroli district from Tuesday under the ‘Palliative Care’ programme. The initiative aims to provide relief and ensure a pain-free, dignified life for patients suffering from incurable illnesses.
Palliative care goes beyond medical treatment. It includes psychological, social and emotional support for both patients and their families. As part of the drive, services will be strengthened from the community level up to district hospitals, with special focus on remote and rural areas.
A door-to-door survey conducted between February 1 and 7 by Community Health Officers (CHOs), ANMs, MPWs and ASHA volunteers helped identify eligible patients. Based on their condition and needs, patients have been divided into three categories.
Category A includes patients requiring top priority care. Health workers will visit them at home at least once a week. Category B patients, who need moderate attention, will receive home visits once every 15 days. Category C patients, requiring the least priority, will be visited once a month.
In addition, 10 beds have been reserved for palliative care at the district hospital, while two to three beds have been set aside at sub-district and rural hospitals. A weekly palliative care OPD will also be started at sub-district hospitals.
District Civil Surgeon Dr Varsha Lahade said palliative care is a comprehensive service aimed at improving the quality of life of patients with chronic, incurable or life-threatening illnesses. The programme focuses on providing comfort and support not only to patients but also to their families.
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