Odisha Government Expands Palliative Care Services to Rural Communities
The Odisha government is taking significant steps to extend palliative care services to rural areas across the state. Health officials announced a comprehensive training program for staff working at various healthcare facilities.
Training Frontline Health Workers
Government authorities will provide specialized training to medical personnel at sub-health centres, primary health centres, and community health centres. After completing this training, nurses and healthcare workers can visit the homes of cancer patients and terminally-ill individuals. They will deliver essential care directly to patients in their communities.
Susanta Kumar Swain, additional director of health services for non-communicable diseases, explained the initiative. "We are training all frontline workers who can provide palliative care services to patients," he stated. "The primary goal of palliative care is pain management for patients until death, which represents end-of-life care."
Expanding Training Across Healthcare Levels
The health and family welfare department has already trained staff at district headquarters hospitals and sub-divisional hospitals. Now, the training program reaches workers at sub-centres, PHCs, and CHCs. Even auxiliary nurse midwives are receiving instruction to provide palliative care services.
Swain highlighted the existing infrastructure. "The state has established palliative day-care facilities at all 30 district headquarters hospitals, Capital Hospital in Bhubaneswar, and Ispat General Hospital in Rourkela," he noted. Ten hospitals maintain separate palliative care beds, while others integrate these services with cancer care facilities.
State Recognition and Future Plans
Odisha has earned recognition for its palliative care initiatives. The state implemented operational guidelines for palliative care in 2019. These guidelines ensure standardized care delivery across healthcare facilities.
The government continues to develop cancer treatment infrastructure. Officials plan to establish additional cancer hospitals in coming years. Palliative care units will connect directly to these cancer centres. This integration allows patients to receive comprehensive care alongside cancer treatment.
Growing Palliative Care Network
Several institutions already contribute to palliative care services in Odisha. The Bagchi Karunashraya Palliative Care Centre in Bhubaneswar addresses increasing demand for these services. Two private trusts in the city also provide palliative care. Medical colleges across the state offer palliative care to patients in need.
This expansion represents a significant step toward equitable healthcare access. Rural residents will receive compassionate end-of-life care without traveling to urban centres. The training initiative empowers local health workers to support their communities during difficult health challenges.
