On October 10, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) will observe World Hospice and Palliative Care Day with a series of awareness initiatives, including a unique 'Run and Ride for Dignity' event. This comes as the Manipal Hospice and Respite Center (MHRRC), located in Havanje village near Manipal, recently marked its first year of providing critical end-of-life care and announced significant expansion plans. Dr. H.S. Ballal, Pro-Chancellor of MAHE, shared these details during a press conference held today at the MHRRC premises in Udupi district.
World Hospice and Palliative Care Day, observed annually on the second Saturday of October, aims to raise awareness about the comprehensive support available for individuals living with serious and life-limiting illnesses. Dr. Ballal emphasized that palliative care extends beyond physical symptoms, addressing mental, social, and spiritual well-being to prioritize comfort, dignity, and quality of life.
The MHRRC, inaugurated by the Governor last April, has completed its inaugural year of clinical service. This specialized healthcare center offers end-of-life care, respite care, rehabilitation, and supportive nursing for those suffering from severe and life-limiting conditions. It focuses on compassionate engagement with patient families while meeting medical, physical, mental, and social needs. Starting with 10 beds, the center has expanded to 40 beds, serving 694 patients and supporting over 1,300 family caregivers, all free of charge.
Looking ahead, Dr. Sharath K. Rao, Vice Chancellor of MAHE, outlined MHRRC's ambitious expansion plans. The center aims to increase its capacity to 65 beds by 2026, with a special emphasis on neuro-palliative care, and further to 100 beds by 2027. Admissions to MHRRC are facilitated through the Outpatient Department (OPD) of KMC Manipal's Palliative Medicine and Supportive Care unit, available from Monday to Saturday. Dr. Rao also clarified that MHRRC is not an old age home but a professional medical facility providing comprehensive palliative, rehabilitation, and supportive care. He noted that while similar centers exist in Bhubaneswar and Bengaluru, the Manipal facility stands as the largest of its kind in India.
MAHE is unique in India for establishing such a well-equipped hospice center within its healthcare system and committing to provide all services completely free. To further boost awareness, the 'Run and Ride for Dignity' event on October 10 will see runners and cyclists from various coastal Karnataka clubs cover approximately 68 kilometers. They will start from Corporation Circle near Lalbagh, Mangaluru, at 5:15 AM, concluding their journey at MHRRC in Manipal.
The press conference also saw the presence of Major General (Dr.) Mathews Jacob, Pro-Chancellor of MAHE; Dr. Avinash Shetty, Medical Superintendent of Kasturba Hospital Manipal; Dr. Seema R. Rao, Director of MHRRC and Consultant in Palliative Medicine; and Dr. Naveen Salins, Director of Research at MHRRC and Professor in the Department of Palliative Medicine and Supportive Care.
Image: varthabharati.in
📰 Source: Vartha Bharati Udupi