Medical visits to the homes of 172 patients per day in 2023-24
Mumbai: There are thousands of people in the state who are suffering from serious illness. Among these, there are many patients whose biological diseases are curable and some are incurable. To maintain the well-being and quality of life of these people, the State Health Department is providing palliative care facilities. Under this facility, apart from OPD and IPD of the hospital, home visits are also given to the patients’ homes. According to the data, the team appointed to provide palliative care in the year 2023-24 has visited the homes of 172 patients on an average per day and provided medical services, supply of medicines, dressings etc.
The main objective of palliative care is to provide physical, mental and emotional support to patients. Palliative care facilities in Maharashtra were introduced in six districts in 2013, and this vital service has since been expanded to other districts. At present, palliative care facilities have been provided in 34 districts of Maharashtra, which aims to alleviate the suffering of patients suffering from serious and incurable diseases like cancer, stroke, HIV. Apart from OPD and IPD, the team also visits patients’ homes.
According to the information received from the Health Department, in the year 2022-23, health follow-up and medicine were supplied to the homes of 11602 patients, while in 2023-24, the homes of 63019 patients were visited.
Director of Health Department, Dr. Swapnil Lale said that “this model of palliative care in Maharashtra is becoming an important support not only for the patients but also for their families. Through this service, not only is the physical pain of the patients being reduced, but their self-confidence and quality of life is also being improved. This effort shows that health services are not limited to physical treatment only, but also focus on overall well-being”.
Appointment of team in each district
One medical officer, four nurses and one multi-task staff have been appointed in each district to provide palliative care facilities. This medical team is present in the OPD and IPD of the district hospitals two days a week to take care of the patients, so that the patients coming to the hospital can get the right treatment.
Follow up at home
Additionally, it also conducts home visits to thousands of patients and follow-up by the team and Asha workers. Home based treatment and care provides peace of mind and convenience to patients. If a patient requires medicine, it is also provided to them, thereby reducing their pain and suffering.
Service in OPD and IPD also
Officers and staff working under the NCD program were directed to examine the patients in the OPD of the District Hospital on 2 fixed days a week as well as provide services to the hospitalized patients and provide services to the patients in the Taluka Is. Apart from this, 10 beds have been reserved for patients in the district hospitals.Â
Thousands of patients benefited in the last two years
According to the data of the Health Department, in 2022-23, 44931 patients were attended and treated in OPD and IPD, while in 2023-24, 104087 patients were treated in OPD and IPD.
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