Nilambur: As Malappuram district continues to make strides in the field of palliative care, bedridden patients are being offered relief and comfort through compassionate care. Palliative care services can be availed by those who are unable to get out of bed due to long-term illnesses, those who require assistance from others, and patients suffering from serious diseases. Services can be accessed by contacting nearby government facilities or voluntary organisations. Authorities said that trained personnel are ready to provide care to patients.

To coordinate palliative care activities, the state government has implemented a project called the Palliative Grid. Under this system, the private and government sectors work together to bring those in need of care under a single umbrella. By avoiding duplication of services, the grid ensures quality care for all registered patients. District Nodal Officer Dr KK Praveen said the government aims to achieve the goal of “one volunteer for one patient” through these initiatives.

In Malappuram district, 223 NGOs have been registered under the grid. Health experts believe that more NGOs should join the initiative.

As of Wednesday, 35,420 patients have been registered on the grid in the district, of whom 30,513 are active. Palliative care activities are being carried out through 146 government primary health centres and local self-government institutions.

Among the patients, 59 per cent are women, 39.94 per cent are men, and 1.28 per cent are transgender persons.

There are more patients aged between 71 and 80 years. The number of patients suffering from high blood pressure is around 35,000. Those who have suffered strokes number 25,047; patients with age-related ailments, 20,132; bedridden patients, 7,648; patients with leg wounds or amputations due to diabetes, 5,300; dementia patients, 3,762; Parkinson’s disease patients, 3,562; those with severe kidney disease, 3,106; patients with mental health issues, 2,693; breast cancer patients, 2,012; and colorectal cancer patients, 1,012.

Better services can be provided

“As a community-based organisation, functioning as part of the portal will help make palliative care activities more efficient. At the same time, it will ensure that high-quality services reach more patients,” said Dr KK Praveen, District Nodal Officer, Ardhram Project.