2 weeks Ago By Express News Service
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has decided to streamline and coordinate palliative care services across the state. The new initiative aims to provide support to the elderly and bedridden individuals without any form of discrimination. The CM emphasised that the local self-government (LSG) department will lead the project, with cooperation from the health and social justice departments.
During the meeting, Pinarayi directed officials to ensure that palliative care services are provided to both APL and BPL individuals, without any discrimination based on income. The state currently has various palliative care centres operated by different organisations, along with services provided by the health, social justice departments, and LSGs. The CM stressed the need for better coordination among these services, including volunteers, under a unified programme.
The chief secretary has been tasked with preparing a detailed coordination plan for the programme. District collectors and heads of LSGs will be responsible for implementing the initiative at the local level. As part of the programme, all organisations offering palliative care services will be required to register with the LSG.
An appellate system will be set up to address complaints related to registration. Nurses and volunteers involved in palliative care will undergo training, and separate meetings will be organised for local self-government heads, political parties, and major charity organisations to ensure effective collaboration. The meeting was attended by ministers K N Balagopal, M B Rajesh, Veena George, R Bindu, and chief secretary Sarada Muraleedharan.
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