MARGAO
A dedicated palliative care unit has finally become a reality at the South Goa District Hospital with the support of Cipla Foundation.
Established with the objective of setting up a sustainable model for quality palliative care in South Goa, the unit will have a mission to increase access to palliative care for people of any age, with any serious illness, at any stage of their illness, to improve the quality of life for both the patient and their family.
Inaugurated at the hands of Director, Health Services, Dr Geeta Kakodkar said the palliative care unit at the South Goa district hospital is a just a beginning, saying the services will be extended to the health centres and sub-health centres in the coming days.
Project Director Dr Aira Almeida said the objective of the Palliative Care Centre supported by Cipla is to provide pain and symptom relief for patients with any serious illness and to work alongside the treating physician to ensure continuity of care for patients. “Terminally ill patients, not just cancer patients, but patients from arthritis and other diseases will be attended to at the district hospital,” Dr Aira said.
She said the palliative care projects helps to provide patients and families with the necessary information and skills to manage the impact of the illness on the daily lives. “The centre will offer counselling and emotional support to patients and family members and provide grief and bereavement support to families,” she added.
Dr Aira further said out-patient services is available at South Goa District Hospital from Monday to Saturday, 10 am to 12 noon.
Dr Deepa Correia said at the OPD and home care, the palliative care physician, nurses and counsellors will assess the patient and family needs and accordingly work with them to co-ordinate their care in consultation with the treating physician.
Dr Rajendra Borkar, who has taken charge of the South Goa district hospital as its Medical Superintendent, said the initiative by the Health Services in coordination with Cipla will go a long way in taking care of those who cannot be cured as they need support to overcome fear, anxiety.
For more information patients can contact: 9518735280 10am to 4pm at South Goa District Hospital. Also available is a national palliative care toll free number “ 1800-202-7777, Monday to Saturday, 10 am to 6 pm.
