India’s palliative care coverage has not gone beyond megacities(approximately 4%).

But, Kerala’s community-based model stands as a testimony showing that universal, cost-free, home care unit type of palliative care is feasible and sustainable.

Palliative care in Kerala is comprehensive including medical, financial, bereavement, and rehabilitative support.

Uninterrupted patient services, economic self-sufficiency, and volunteering efforts are the pillars of success here. 

It is supplemented by the State Government through the ‘Pariraksha’project. 

Need-based home care is rendered by Volunteers, nurses, and doctors where patients’ needs are 20% medical and 80% social.