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What Palliative Care Really Means
Palliative care is widely misunderstood in India. Many families equate it with end-of-life care or giving up hope. In reality, palliative care should begin at diagnosis alongside curative treatment. The WHO defines it as care that improves quality of life for patients and families facing life-threatening illness through prevention and relief of suffering.
Palliative care addresses pain, nausea, breathlessness, fatigue, anxiety, depression, and other symptoms that cancer and its treatment cause. It also helps with practical concerns: advance care planning, family communication, financial counselling, and spiritual support if desired.
When to Start
The earlier the better. Studies show that patients who receive palliative care from diagnosis have better quality of life, less depression, and in some cases, longer survival. Do not wait until curative options are exhausted. Ask your oncologist for a palliative care referral at any point during treatment.
What the Team Does
A palliative care team typically includes a doctor (palliative medicine specialist), nurse, counsellor, and social worker. They work alongside your oncologist, not instead of them. Services include: symptom assessment and management, medication adjustment for pain and nausea, caregiver education and support, advance directive discussions, and coordination with home care services.
Palliative Care in India
India has an estimated need of 5-6 million patients requiring palliative care annually, but fewer than 2% have access. Kerala leads with a community-based palliative care model (Neighbourhood Network in Palliative Care). Major cancer centres in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Bangalore have dedicated palliative care units. VICI Healthcare integrates palliative care assessment into every treatment plan from day one.
Home-based palliative care costs INR 1,000-3,000 per visit. Hospice care costs INR 15,000-50,000/month depending on the facility. Many NGOs (CanSupport Delhi, Pallium India Trivandrum) provide free or subsidised home-based palliative care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does palliative care mean I am dying?
No. Palliative care is for anyone with a serious illness at any stage. You can receive palliative care while also receiving curative chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation. It is about quality of life, not giving up.
Will my oncologist be upset if I ask for palliative care?
A good oncologist will welcome it. Palliative care makes their job easier by managing symptoms that fall outside their primary focus on the tumour. If your oncologist dismisses the idea, consider getting a second opinion.
Can I get palliative care at home?
Yes. Home-based palliative care is available in most major Indian cities. Teams visit your home for symptom management, medication adjustments, and caregiver training. Ask your hospital social worker for local referrals.
Need Palliative Care Support?
Our team coordinates supportive care alongside your cancer treatment.