Kidwai Institute Reaches Over 3,000 People Through Home-Based Palliative Care

A palliative care program in Bengaluru has helped more than 3,000 patients and caregivers through home visits and support services. The Department of Palliative Medicine at the State-run Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology shared these figures while marking World Hospice and Palliative Care Day.

Home-Care Services

The team has completed more than 750 home visits, travelling over 12,000 kilometres to reach patients with advanced cancer and other serious illnesses. This care is designed for individuals who struggle to travel to the hospital due to reduced mobility or advanced disease. Multidisciplinary teams visit homes to provide medical checks, symptom management, and nursing care.

Support Systems

M.K. Yadhuraj Gowda, Head of the Department of Palliative Medicine, noted that the service supports entire families by addressing emotional and financial pressures. Working alongside volunteers and NGOs, the department provides financial help for children's education, airbeds, waterbeds, ration kits, and nebuliser machines. The program also offers bereavement support to help families cope with grief after losing a loved one.

Hospital Facilities

Institute director R. Krishnappa stated that the hospital provides inpatient care for over 30 patients needing specialised pain management. Treatments include medication, nerve blocks, and neurolysis for severe cancer pain. The institute also runs paediatric palliative care, music and sound therapy on Wednesdays, and yoga therapy on Thursdays.

Remote Care

The department has relaunched its 'Call for Care - Neravina Kare' helpline to assist patients living outside Bengaluru. Through phone and video calls, a team consisting of a palliative care doctor, a nurse, and a clinical psycho-oncologist provides guidance. Patients and caregivers can reach this remote service by calling 9008441708.

Context

Palliative care focuses on improving the quality of life for patients facing serious, life-limiting illnesses by treating physical pain alongside emotional and spiritual needs. Home-based care models help reduce the strain of frequent hospital trips for families dealing with long-term medical challenges.