Wed Apr 02 13:36:42 UTC 2025: ## Kerala Expands Palliative Care Access Statewide
**Thiruvananthapuram, April 2, 2025** – Kerala is significantly expanding its palliative care services through a new statewide initiative. The government’s recently launched palliative care grid aims to make these vital services accessible to all citizens, regardless of socioeconomic status.
Building on a 2008 palliative care policy, the initiative will leverage existing 1,142 primary care units in local bodies and over 500 units run by voluntary organizations. Local bodies are now tasked with identifying and registering patients needing palliative care via a new Health department software. Teams of local officials and Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) will create these patient registries.
To ensure effective home care, local bodies will recruit and train volunteers, potentially utilizing National Service Scheme volunteers and Kudumbashree members. These volunteers will become part of the palliative care grid, working alongside existing voluntary organizations. Additional palliative care units may be established as needed, and individual care plans will be developed for each patient, including weekly visits for those requiring sustained care.
The initiative also extends palliative care to old-age homes and establishes monitoring committees at the ward, local body, and district levels. Local bodies are encouraged to utilize Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds to support these expanded services. The initiative represents a major expansion of Kerala’s commitment to comprehensive palliative care.
First Piper 