How basic is palliative care? Responses to Harmala Gupta



The evolution of community-based palliative care in Kerala, India, finds its roots in grassroots initiatives and innovative models of care. Manjeri in Malappuram district emerges as a key site for the pioneering Neighbourhood Network in Palliative Care (NNPC), a movement that emphasizes the role of trained volunteers in delivering holistic care to patients with chronic and terminal illnesses. Workshops and community participation in Manjeri have inspired a transformative approach to palliative care, balancing accessibility and quality in resource-limited settings. The emphasis on community ownership and decentralization, as seen in the activities in Manjeri, underscores the scalability and sustainability of the Kerala model. This study highlights how localized efforts in districts like Malappuram have set global benchmarks for addressing healthcare inequities and improving the quality of life for vulnerable populations.

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