States » WestPosted at: Oct 11 2026 7:20PM


2.6 million people in Maharashtra may need palliative care, only 20,000 have access: Trust

Mumbai, Oct 11 (UNI) An estimated 2.6 million people in Maharashtra may require palliative care, but only around 20,000 have access to comprehensive services, highlighting a significant gap in support for patients with serious and life-limiting illnesses, the King George V Memorial Trust said.
The issue was highlighted during an event organised by the Trust and Sukoon Nilaya Palliative Care Centre at Nehru Centre in Mumbai to mark World Hospice and Palliative Care Day 2026.
Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Commissioner Ashwini Bhide attended the programme as the Guest of Honour, along with medical professionals and other dignitaries.
Dr Eric Borges, Chairman of the King George V Memorial Trust, stressed the importance of extending palliative care beyond cancer patients to include those suffering from advanced neurological disorders and chronic lung, kidney and liver diseases.
He said Sukoon Nilaya and its adult day-care centre have been working to improve access to compassionate care and equip family members with the skills needed to look after patients at home.
Borges said the Governor and the Municipal Commissioner of Greater Mumbai had proposed setting up seven additional adult day-care centres across Mumbai, and the Trust had assured its support for the initiative.
Palliative care aims to relieve pain, manage symptoms and improve the quality of life of patients with serious illnesses. It also includes rehabilitation, counselling, emotional support and assistance to caregivers.
Established in 2021, Sukoon Nilaya is Maharashtra's first dedicated palliative care centre for adults and children suffering from life-limiting illnesses other than cancer.
The centre provides inpatient treatment, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and swallowing therapy, counselling and grief support. It also trains family members to care for patients after their discharge and provides follow-up consultations over telephone and video calls, along with home-care services where required.
The Trust also runs The Sanctuary, an adult day-care centre launched in 2023 to address loneliness and social isolation among senior citizens and specially abled adults.
Starting with 12 beds, the facility has expanded to 35 beds. The Trust said its services were being provided free of charge for five years with support from corporate social responsibility partners and civil society.
The Trust plans to expand its infrastructure by around 12,000 square feet to accommodate additional beds, classrooms, training facilities, a library, laboratories and an auditorium.
The proposed expansion is aimed at strengthening patient care, caregiver training and professional education in palliative care.
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