Our body degenerates as we age, which leads to complications. It is the reason why elderly fall ill frequently. They require specialized treatment to alleviate the pain they undergo. Statistics from WHO show that several people globally require advanced palliative care. It will help them lead a better life with dignity. With around 5.4 million people needing palliative care in India, we gradually run out of time.
“The country is faced with severe problems for people with life-threatening diseases. The patients must bear the brunt of going through the treatment process, which can wreak anyone. Adding to it is pain and anguish which goes along with age and disease. There is the requirement for narcotics-based medicines to alleviate the distress of the sufferers”, says Dr Abhishek Shukla, Head of Geriatric and Palliative Medicine, Aastha Centre for Geriatric Medicine.
Some of the severe challenges facing palliative care are the availability of medicines and the lack of resources. When patients face a terminal disease, they visit the specialist but usually forget the need for palliative care. A few years back, only a few medicines were available that could have those who needed palliative care.
Most of the patients will require access to opioids, but very few in the medical fraternity understand the use of these medications. The regulations relating to the usage of these medications are stringent. However, the Drug Controller can approve a few palliative care centers in a state. These centers can prescribe the medicines to the patients to ensure their pain is alleviated.
The drugs must be provided carefully and prescribed to be taken for a short time. There are various SOPs to be followed by the palliative care centre. However, the government guidelines too can have loopholes, and it is necessary to plug them. “There had been a severe shortage of suitable specialists in palliative care. However, the Medical Council of India (MCI) has shown interest in advanced Palliative care. We expect that more experts can handle this sensitive area of medicine fast. The suitable medications currently under strict government control must be provided to patients with care”.
Aastha centre for Geriatric medicine provides advanced palliative and geriatric care for senior citizens and those suffering from life-threatening diseases. All patients deserve to live peacefully, and they must be alleviated from pain. Our specialists provide them with general medical practices and prescribe suitable medicines too. Our doctors also visit the patient’s residence and ensure they are safe and sound.