The organization and delivery of palliative care services in India

A study/lecture tour of India was undertaken by the authors during October and November 1995. The purpose of the visit was to provide a programme of education in palliative care and to gain a deeper understanding of the care of dying people in India. Seven centres were visited and the distance covered was approximately 4500 km. This article describes existing palliative care links between India and the UK and discusses the organization and delivery of palliative care services in the areas visited. Problems such as difficulty in accessing services and resources are explored. Psychosocial issues relating to peoples' attitudes towards illness and uptake of services are also investigated. Some strategies are suggested to support the continued development of palliative care in India This journey was an opportunity to gain an empathetic understanding of the spiritual, psychological, emotional and multicultural palliative care needs of the Asian population.