Mumbai Opens 7 Free Palliative Care Centers

Marking World Hospice and Palliative Care Day, Mumbai announced plans to establish seven free palliative care and adult daycare centers throughout the city. Palliative care focuses on enhancing the quality of life for individuals with serious medical conditions.

Dr. Eric Borges highlighted that potentially 2.6 million people in Maharashtra need palliative care, but only 20,000 access comprehensive services. The Sukoon Nilaya Foundation, established by the King George V Memorial Trust, already operates a free palliative center for non-cancer patients, providing physical, psychological, spiritual, and social support.

This center, which began with 13 beds and has expanded to 35, is currently under construction for a new 75-bed facility, expected to be completed by April 2027. In 2023, The Sanctuary, a free adult daycare center, was launched to combat isolation among senior and specially-abled citizens.

Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide announced the collaboration to establish these seven new centers, one in each administrative division of Mumbai. The centers will offer holistic treatment, including pain management, therapy for motor skills, speech, and swallowing, extending care to caregivers and continuing support at home through outpatient services and remote consultations.