Dr Chambo bats for policy to enhance hospice, palliative care
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, April 29 2025: Manipur Health Services director Dr Chambo Gonmei on Tuesday suggested the need for a state policy to strengthen hospice and palliative care for terminally-ill patients.

Speaking at the observance of World Hospice and Palliative Care Day at the IMA Heritage Hall, Lamphelpat, Dr Gonmei stressed the need for a dedicated policy to improve services and reach more patients so as to supplement state's notable progress in providing palliative care services.

Dr Chambo bats for policy to enhance hospice, palliative care

The event was jointly organised by the Directorate of Health Services and the National Health Mission (NHM) Manipur under the theme "Ten years since the resolution: How are we doing?" Dr Chambo, who attended the commemorative event as the chief guest, noted that the state nodal officer for the National Programme for Palliative Care (NPPC) has been offering home-based care through healthcare professionals, caregivers and volunteers.

This initiative reduces hospitalisation, allowing elderly patients to receive care and rest at home, he said.

According to the director, Manipur currently ranks second after Kerala in palliative care delivery and there is a need to put in greater efforts to improve the services and achieve the top position.

He also highlighted the plight of terminally-ill elderly patients who are unable to visit hospitals or lack caregivers at home.

These patients deserve proper care to spend their final days in peace and comfort, he said, adding that every individual has the right to die with dignity and compassion.

Dr Gonmei encouraged NGOs to support the initiative and urged volunteers not to be discouraged by the lack of incentives, stating: "Your voluntary services will not go unnoticed by the Almighty".

State mission director of the State Health Society Dr M Dinesh presided over the function, while additional director of health services Dr N Bino and SAHS Medical Services director Dr Jugindra Sorokhaibam were the guests of honour.

Earlier in the day, NPPC state nodal officer Dr Y Premchandra delivered a talk on the role of volunteers and caregivers in palliative care.

A training session for caregivers was held in the afternoon.