Palliative Care Movement in Kerala: A Historic Overview

Chacko, Anooja (2017): Palliative Care Movement in Kerala: A Historic Overview.

Abstract

From ancient period itself, Kerala holds a rich heritage of a plethora of curing practices. Several systems of treatments have emerged and flourished here to offer cure and relief to patients. Kerala, the birthplace of ayurveda, still attracts patients from all over the world. In addition to it, several ethnic medical systems also have rooted in Kerala. Generally these systems offer vital thrust on curing diseases with immediate and minimal effect. The aspect of relief for those beyond cure has yet to be acquired enough attention in these systems. Moreover the emotional dimensions of miseries of those on the verge of death have not attained sufficient momentum. The system of palliative care is a novel attempt towards this limited thrust area. Malabar region in Kerala has become a forerunner in it by showing way for the entire Kerala. Now the concept is slowly gaining momentum all over the state even seeking the attention of organised government mechanism. Hence it would be worthy to trace the history and functioning of palliative care movement and the present paper tries to evaluate the nature of evolution and role of palliative movement in the medical system of Kerala.

• Item Type: MPRA Paper
• Language: English
• Keywords: "palliative care", "grey population"
• Subjects: I - Health, Education, and Welfare > I1 - Health > I18 - Government Policy ; Regulation ; Public Health; I - Health, Education, and Welfare > I3 - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty; I - Health, Education, and Welfare > I3 - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty > I31 - General Welfare, Well-Being; I - Health, Education, and Welfare > I3 - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty > I38 - Government Policy ; Provision and Effects of Welfare Programs

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