Demand for palliative care at Cochin Cancer Research Centre

KOCHI: In the context of the World Hospice and Palliative Care Day observed on Saturday, there are demands to start palliative care at the fledgling Cochin Cancer Research Centre (CCRC) OP. The good news is that authorities have responded to it positively. Activist and palliative care icon Dr M R Rajagopal says it was essential in every such institution from the inception itself. “All it needs is an MBBS doctor and two nurses to take care of the wing. They should undergo six weeks training before manning the facility. This training is available at General Hospital, Ernakulam, Pallium India facility at Thiruvananthapuram and Institute of Palliative Medicine, Kozhikode,” said Mr Rajagopal.

He also said that it did not require expensive equipment. “Two-three people with compassion are essential. They should be provided a vehicle - which can even be hired - to reach out to patients at their homes. Even at the hospital, no separate building is needed for the wing; one or two rooms will do,” Mr Rajagopal said. The demand has come from the Justice V R Krishna Iyer Movement which has spearheaded the campaign to set up a world class cancer centre in Kochi.

“On the first anniversary of CCRC which falls in November, starting such a wing can make people and patients feel that the project is alive and kicking,” said Dr N K Sanil Kumar, leader of the Krishna Iyer Movement. Reacting to the suggestion, District Collector and Special Officer of CCRC, Mr Muhammed Y Safirulla said that the proposal would be actively considered. “Definitely I will look into it and explore what can be done,” Mr Safirulla told DC on Saturday. Meanwhile, CPM Member of Parliament C P Narayanan who had contributed Rs 1 crore from the MP fund to the CCRC, visited the Centre on Saturday and assessed the current arrangements at the OP. CPM district secretary P Rajeev was also with him.