India's First Hospice: 40 Years of Compassionate Care

India's first modern hospice, Shanti Avedna, which began as Shanti Avedna Ashram in 1986, is celebrating four decades of service. Established by Dr. Luis Jose de Souza, the institution was born from a resolve to provide free palliative care to advanced cancer patients, a concept largely unknown in India at the time. The hospice, built on land provided by the Archdiocese of Bombay, initially faced challenges in patient and family acceptance due to the unfamiliarity of palliative care.

Over the years, Shanti Avedna has expanded its reach and capacity, now operating centers in Mumbai, Delhi, and Goa, and has provided care to over 40,000 patients. The Mumbai center, which began with 20 beds, now has 100. The organization emphasizes that palliative care focuses on relieving pain and managing symptoms, and patients are not exclusively there to die but to live more comfortably.

The hospice relies on donations to cover its monthly operational costs, estimated at Rs 40 lakh. Patients receive care free of charge, with some long-term residents staying for years. The Sisters of the Holy Cross have managed the hospice since its inception, fostering a supportive environment with activities like games, music, and art. Shanti Avedna's legacy extends beyond patient care, having successfully seeded the concept of palliative care nationwide.