‘Concept of hospice yet to be understood, planned for’

LUCKNOW: Despite the need, hospice care isn’t available for all those who need it. Experts say the concept of a hospice is yet to find a place in healthcare planning.

“The concept of a hospice is yet to start in Uttar Pradesh. In fact, we are at its first stage only where general care of elderly has started at a few centres but hospice care is yet to be established,” said Prof Kauser Usman, HoD, geriatric medicine at the King George’s Medical University (KGMU).

A hospice is a place where a special kind of care is given that focuses on the quality of life for terminally ill people. Hospice care is about compassionate care in the last phases of an incurable disease.

“Hospice is needed when doctors have given up. This care is needed when a few months are left and the patient is basically in need of care and pain relief,” said Dr Abhishek Shukla, head Aastha Geriatric Hospital and Hospice and an expert in geriatric medicine.

“This year, the theme for WHPCD is – Leave no one behind. Equality in access to palliative care – but as the situation is, less than one percent of those in need get palliative care in the last days of life in the state while internationally the figure is over 10%,” said Dr Shukla.

Many people need such care due to different chronic illnesses but the facilities are either not available or are very limited, said Dr Shukla.

“People in their last days wish to spend time with family members. Caregivers in such cases are relatives (father or children of the patient) and they often slip into depression as they are unable to give correct care despite making sincere efforts,” said Prof Usman.

“There are many aspects to such care-giving, where one is financial and the other is emotional. In between these (aspects) palliative care becomes secondary and the patient remains deprived of the exact care they need,” said Prof Usman.