Kudumbashree Mobilizes 2,300 Women for Palliative Care Initiative in Ernakulam
In response to the growing elderly population in Ernakulam district, Kudumbashree has launched a significant initiative to enhance palliative care services. The organization will engage 2,300 of its members to provide essential care to those in need, focusing on local accessibility and community-based support.
Training and Implementation Strategy
Women from neighbourhood groups have been identified for this purpose, and they will receive specialized training from health department officials. This training is designed to equip them with the necessary skills to deliver effective palliative care within their own wards, eliminating the need for long-distance travel that often deters participation.
A Kudumbashree official emphasized the practicality of the program, stating, "The women can extend palliative care to those living in their own wards without travelling long distances, which discourages many from getting involved in the service. This is not a full-time job. They need to spend only two to three hours a day. We are yet to fix the remuneration for the service."
Scope and Impact of the Initiative
This initiative is part of the broader Vinjana Keralam campaign, which aims to create employment opportunities across various sectors. In Ernakulam district, the need for palliative care is substantial, with 32,432 patients registered for such services. Of these, 27,137 patients still require ongoing care, highlighting the urgency and scale of the program.
The care will target a wide range of conditions, including:
- Old age-related issues
- Hypertensive disorders
- Cerebrovascular accidents
- Diabetes mellitus
- Bedridden conditions
- Renal disease
- Parkinsonism
- Mental health issues
- Dementia
- Paraplegia
- Other chronic diseases
Comprehensive Care Services Offered
The services provided by the trained Kudumbashree members will be comprehensive, covering both medical and personal care needs. Key aspects include:
- Skin care and wound dressing
- Administering simple exercises
- Proper positioning of patients
- Catheter removal
- Ensuring hygiene through bed baths
- Administering injections and infusions
- Nebulisation treatments
- Other essential palliative care measures
By leveraging local resources and providing part-time roles, Kudumbashree aims to make palliative care more accessible and sustainable in Ernakulam, addressing critical healthcare gaps while fostering community involvement and job creation.
