In a significant step toward advancing palliative care, Telangana’s Health Minister Damodar Rajanarasimha announced that the state will work toward establishing at least one palliative care center in every district. Speaking at an event organized by Sparsh Hospice and Palliative Care Center on World Hospice and Palliative Care Day in Hyderabad, the minister praised Sparsh for their exceptional services, describing their work as inspirational and essential for society.
A New Era of Palliative Care in Telangana
During his address at the event held in Khajaguda, Minister Rajanarasimha expressed his emotional response to the services offered by Sparsh Hospice. The organization’s commitment to providing compassionate care to terminally ill patients moved the minister, who lauded their efforts in offering dignity and comfort to individuals in the final stages of life.
The minister emphasized that the government is fully supportive of palliative care and intends to include these services under the Aarogyasri health scheme. This move would ensure that patients from lower-income families could access the necessary palliative care services without financial burden.
Sparsh Hospice: A Beacon of Hope
Sparsh Hospice, a nonprofit organization providing free palliative care, has been operating since 2011. The organization not only offers medical care to terminally ill patients but also spreads awareness about the importance of palliative care through various platforms. Dr. Subramaniam, one of the trustees of Sparsh Hospice, highlighted their dedication to palliative care over the past 13 years and expressed gratitude for the government’s support.
Sparsh Hospice operates from a facility built on government-allocated land, where they provide free services funded entirely by donations. Dr. Subramaniam revealed that they spend approximately ₹50 lakh each month on their operations, all of which is raised through public contributions. This model of community-driven care exemplifies how nonprofits can work in collaboration with government policies to provide essential services to the public.
The Role of Palliative Care in Modern Healthcare
Palliative care is a vital but often overlooked component of healthcare, focusing on improving the quality of life for patients with serious, long-term illnesses such as cancer. As Minister Rajanarasimha noted, the number of cancer cases and other chronic diseases in India is rapidly increasing. With this rise, the demand for palliative care services is more crucial than ever.
However, palliative care remains underutilized, with only about 1% of those in need receiving adequate support. Minister Rajanarasimha committed to addressing this gap by establishing palliative care centers across the state and integrating these services into the public healthcare system. The minister’s plan to include palliative care under Aarogyasri will further improve accessibility for marginalized communities, ensuring no patient is left without the care they need.
Inspirational Leadership and Future Goals
Minister Rajanarasimha’s address reflected a broader commitment to enhancing the quality of healthcare across Telangana. He promised that the state government would provide consistent support to palliative care organizations like Sparsh, recognizing the essential role they play in alleviating suffering. The minister assured the audience that his administration would prioritize the creation of policies that ensure the availability of high-quality palliative care in every district.
The event also included a presentation by Dr. Chin Babu, a leading robotic surgical oncologist, who praised Sparsh Hospice for its work and encouraged more public support for the cause. Additionally, playback singer Karunya attended the event, contributing to the atmosphere of hope and community spirit.
The Future of Sparsh Hospice
To ensure the sustainability of their services, Sparsh Hospice launched a new program titled “Guardian of Sparsh,” encouraging individuals to donate ₹500 or more each month. This initiative is aimed at building a reliable source of funding that can support the hospice’s ongoing operations and future expansion.
The hospice also provides extensive counseling services for both patients and their families, creating a holistic approach to end-of-life care that includes emotional, spiritual, and psychological support. The compassion and dedication shown by the staff and volunteers at Sparsh have earned them widespread admiration, both from patients’ families and the larger community.
The commitment made by Telangana’s Health Minister Damodar Rajanarasimha to establish palliative care centers in every district represents a significant step toward improving healthcare in the state. By supporting organizations like Sparsh Hospice and expanding access to palliative care services through initiatives such as Aarogyasri, the government is taking meaningful steps to ensure that no patient is left to face the end of life without dignity and comfort.
Sparsh Hospice serves as a beacon of hope, showing that with proper care and community support, terminally ill patients can experience compassion and quality of life in their final days. The collaboration between the government and nonprofits will continue to be essential as Telangana works to expand these critical services across the state.
