Bhopal: AIIMS Bhopal has launched a specialised 10-bed Palliative Care Unit, representing an important advancement in specialised healthcare. The unit is designed to provide comprehensive support to patients with severe illnesses, particularly cancer, focusing on pain management, physical symptom relief, and emotional support.
In India, there exists a substantial gap in palliative care provision, with merely 1-2% of patients receiving necessary care, according to experts. Although the National Medical Commission (NMC) promotes its integration into medical curriculum, there are no mandatory requirements for tertiary hospitals or medical colleges to establish dedicated facilities.
Healthcare facilities often show reluctance in providing extended care to long-term patients. A senior consultant at Hamidia Hospital stated, “We receive referrals. The whole hospital is palliative care. District hospitals and others are mandated for creating palliative care support,” highlighting the absence of a dedicated facility.
AIIMS Bhopal’s palliative care service operates with existing medical personnel, increasing pressure on available resources. The facility prioritises prompt pain management and symptom control, particularly for patients with complex conditions requiring intensive care support.
AIIMS Bhopal director, Dr Ajai Singh, highlighted infrastructure and awareness challenges: “Regular patients struggle for beds, and manpower is stretched. There’s a gap in facilities, training, and regional access. Some patients are in a debilitating state with limited access. It is an effort to bridge the gap and provide dignity to patients by focusing on comfort, respect, and emotional support during critical moments.”
The institution offers nursing programmes in palliative care and maintains a 10-bed facility. They plan to upgrade four beds to HDU status, The National Programme for Palliative Care (NPPC) guidelines suggest establishing units in tertiary hospitals and medical colleges.
