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The National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) has stated that neuro palliative care is gaining momentum in the recent years in the country. This is because conditions like stroke, brain tumours, multiple sclerosis, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, spine injury and other degenerative diseases are indicating rapid and prolonged weakness in these patients.
Scientific advances enable early and more accurate diagnosis of chronic neurological disorders and better access to good healthcare and coupled with the socio-demographic transition has led to increase in the proportion of persons requiring care.
Neuro palliative and supportive care services at NIMHANS, supported by Cipla Foundation, is a first time initiative to address the need for integrative palliative care for these conditions. Neuro palliative care is an emerging field in neurological care which focuses on relieving pain, suffering and improving the quality of life of persons with neurological conditions and their families.
Although the project was initiated in 2021 it reached out to 2,328 patients and their family caregivers to support them through multidisciplinary neuro palliative care services. Now NIMHANS has found need to widen the scope of offerings.
According to Dr Pratima Murthy, director NIMHANS, while the need for the services is widely recognised and acknowledged, the format of delivery and sustainability of the services are yet to be explored and understood. This is especially true in low- and middle-income settings where resource allocation priorities are challenging.
By coming together and sharing our expertise, we are better equipped to drive positive change in the field of neuro palliative care. A central theme was the importance of individualized care plans that prioritize patient preferences, values, and goals. This initiative will go a long way in supporting patients with neurological conditions and their families. We are grateful to Cipla foundation's support for this neuro palliative care unit, which will make palliative care accessible to patients who need it the most, she added.
Prof Murthy, emphasised the importance of caring for people who cared for us. This is also a testament to the dedication of individuals and organizations working tirelessly to improve the lives of patients with neurological disorders.
NIMHANS Neuropalliative and Supportive care clinic supported by Cipla Foundation is committed to advancing the field of neuro palliative care and improving the lives of patients and their families facing neurological conditions. We believe that this meeting has provided valuable insights, foster collaboration, and contribute to the ongoing development of neuropalliative care practices, said Anurag Mishra, head, corporate social responsibility, Cipla Foundation.
Facilitating partnership for development of neuropalliative care and initiating neuropalliative care services across India, Mishra also emphasised on advocating for neuropalliative care services in raising awareness and advocating for policy changes to ensure that individuals living with neurological disorders receive the care and support they deserve. It is here the reiterated the long term commitment of Cipla Foundation for alleviating suffering and improving quality of life for those who are ill, across the life span.
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