Palliative care in India: Challenges and opportunities

Abstract

The World Health Organization estimates that only 14 per cent of the 40 million people worldwide who require palliative care receive sufficient help. Many of the individuals in need of palliative care reside in developing nations, such as India. Due to opioid restrictions and societal stigma, as well as the COVID-19 pandemic, India has had difficulties delivering palliative care to its population. This editorial explores India’s palliative care challenges, especially in the context of the pandemic and lockdown measures. To address these challenges, the author explores possible solutions that take advantage of the flexible nature of palliative care to extend its implementation across India.