CURRENT PROJECTS

The Challenge:

• India, especially rural areas, faces a severe shortage of palliative care services for patients with chronic and terminal illnesses.
• Odisha, while making strides, has disparities between urban and rural care.
• Sundargarh district, with its diverse population and geographical challenges, exemplifies these issues.

Amrit Dhara Palliative Care Trust and SEWAK NGO:

• Both of the organizations aim to provide free palliative care to cancer patients in Odisha.
• They offer medical, emotional, and social support.

Study Findings:

• Many patients in Sundargarh suffer from cancer and lack access to quality care.
• Healthcare providers have moderate palliative care knowledge but face challenges like insufficient training and resources.
• ASHA workers were trained in basic palliative care.

Key Issues:

• Low awareness and access to palliative care.
• Severe impact of illness on patients and families.
• Healthcare provider challenges in delivering care.

Recommendations:

• Improve administrative processes for quicker approvals.
• Expand the study area to cover more of Sundargarh.
• Increase manpower for research and care delivery.
• Enhance data collection methods.
• Strengthen medical staff and resources in palliative care units.
• Improve transportation facilities.
• Separate training and research activities.

Future Plans:

• Expand training for healthcare providers.
• Increase study area and strengthen palliative care units.
• Improve data collection and community awareness.
• Enhance monitoring and evaluation.
• Collaborate with NGOs and government bodies.

Overall, the study highlights the urgent need for improved palliative care services in Sundargarh and provides recommendations for addressing the challenges faced by patients and healthcare providers.