The Dilasa palliative care centre, operated by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) Ponda branch, is embarking on a significant expansion by launching home care services to enhance support for patients in need. This new initiative aims to bring compassionate care directly to the doorsteps of those requiring assistance, ensuring they receive timely and effective treatment without the need to travel.
Volunteer Drive for Home Care Implementation
To successfully roll out these home care services, the centre is actively recruiting volunteers who can contribute their time and effort to help provide these essential services. The call for volunteers underscores the community-driven approach of Dilasa, emphasizing the importance of collective support in delivering quality palliative care.
Addressing Limited Capacity with Home Care
Dr Pournima Usgaonkar, a member of the Ponda IMA, highlighted the necessity of introducing home care services. She explained that the centre faces constraints in patient admissions due to limited capacity, making home-based care a crucial alternative to ensure no one is left without support. This move is expected to alleviate pressure on the facility while extending care to a broader population.
Financial Support from State Bank of India
In a boost to this initiative, the State Bank of India has contributed Rs 1.3 crore to help cover the expenses for underprivileged individuals seeking treatment at Dilasa. This generous funding will play a vital role in making palliative care accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation, reinforcing the centre's commitment to inclusive healthcare.
Comprehensive Three-Level Care Approach
Dr Dattaram Desai detailed the operational framework of Dilasa, which operates on three distinct levels to provide comprehensive palliative care:
- Home Examinations: Sending a doctor to examine patients at their homes, ensuring personalized attention and convenience.
- Ambulance Services: Providing transportation to bring patients to the Outpatient Department (OPD) for further treatment or consultations.
- Direct Admissions: Admitting patients directly at the Dilasa facility for more intensive care when needed.
This multi-faceted approach is designed to cater to diverse patient needs, ensuring that quality palliative care is delivered efficiently and effectively across various scenarios.
The expansion into home care services, supported by volunteer efforts and substantial funding, marks a significant step forward for Dilasa in its mission to provide accessible and compassionate palliative care to the community in Ponda and beyond.
