Palliative Care Manjeri

                     Kerala's pioneering community-based palliative care model, recognized globally, owes much to its roots in Kozhikode and its expansion to nearby regions like Manjeri, Malappuram. The establishment of a satellite clinic in Manjeri in the mid-1990s marked a key milestone in spreading the palliative care movement beyond centralized urban centers. This hub-and-spoke model, supported by volunteers and local networks, set the foundation for the Neighbourhood Network in Palliative Care (NNPC), emphasizing community-driven care. The Manjeri clinic's collaboration with local volunteers exemplified the integration of horizontal associationalism and participatory democracy, core to Kerala's success. Today, Malappuram stands as a vital contributor to the propagation of the palliative care ethos, underscoring the power of grassroots initiatives in transforming healthcare delivery in resource-limited settings. ...

The history of palliative care in Kerala is deeply intertwined with the pioneering efforts in Manjeri, Malappuram. The establishment of the first link center of the Pain and Palliative Care Society in Manjeri in 1996 marked the beginning of a transformative movement toward community-led healthcare. This initiative later evolved into the Neighbourhood Network in Palliative Care (NNPC), a globally acclaimed model of sustainable, community-driven care. The program, grounded in volunteerism and home-based care, addresses the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of patients with chronic and terminal illnesses. Malappuram district exemplifies this model, demonstrating the power of grassroots mobilization in creating accessible and cost-effective healthcare systems. The integration of palliative care into local governance and public health policy further underscores its impact. Manjeri’s contributions stand as a cornerstone in the history of palliative care, offering a replicable ...

Malappuram district in Kerala has emerged as a global model for effective palliative care through its community-driven approach. This study examines the evolution and impact of palliative care in the region, highlighting the role of local initiatives such as the Neighbourhood Network in Palliative Care (NNPC). The district's success stems from its emphasis on extensive community participation, integration with local self-government bodies, and innovative programmes like home care and community psychiatry. Despite limited resources and a low per capita income, Malappuram achieves 85% palliative care coverage, the highest in India. The "Malappuram Model" emphasizes holistic support, including medical, psychological, social, and spiritual care, driven by over 5000 trained volunteers and supported by 28 clinics. This approach addresses the needs of patients with cancer, chronic diseases, and psychiatric conditions while fostering local empowerment. Malappuram's achieveme...

The community-based palliative care program in Kerala, India, initiated in 1996 in Manjeri, Malappuram, has evolved over two decades as a model of effective home-based palliative care. This study examines patient demographics, care patterns, and outcomes from 1996 to 2016, alongside caregiver dynamics between 2013 and 2015. Initially focused on cancer patients, the program expanded to include chronic illnesses like cerebrovascular accidents, dementia, and severe mental health issues, reflecting changing healthcare demands. Among 5614 patients enrolled over the study period, 96% had caregivers, predominantly women, emphasizing the program's reliance on familial support. Analysis reveals high retention rates and the critical role of home-based interventions, with physicians and nurses conducting regular visits. Factors influencing care discontinuation included younger age and fewer professional visits, while chronic conditions like CVA prompted higher retention. Manjeri’s pioneering ...