People who are in deep pain and are suffering from chronic illness will now have a ray of hope. The palliative care OPD facility which opened at the South Goa District Hospital on Tuesday, assures the provision of medical, moral and emergency support to the patients and their family members.
Pain is one thing in life that has the power to make or break you. Many who suffer from life-threatening illnesses can become so distressed that the courage to fight is lost. In times such as these, we tend to look for someone with whom we can share our pain and sorrow, and receive proper guidance in the medical and emotional area.
The good news is that the South Goa District Hospital now will help patients suffering from chronic pain due to life-threatening illnesses and their family members via counselling and medical support in the palliative care OPD facility.
On Tuesday, a palliative care OPD facility was opened in the presence of Director of Health Services Dr Geeta Kakodkar, Superintendent of SGDH Dr Rajendra Borkar, Deputy Superintendent of SGDH Dr Deepa Correia Afonso, the site head at Kundaim Cipla Rajesh Sawant and others.
Dr Deepa Correia Afonso said, "We are pleased to announce the start of dedicated palliative care services at the South Goa District Hospital with the support of the Cipla Foundation. Our vision is to establish a sustainable model for quality palliative care in South Goa.”
She further informed that their mission is to increase access to palliative care for people of any age, with any serious illness, at any stage of their illness, to improve the quality of life for both the patient and their family.
As per the information available, the main objectives of this facility are:
1) To provide pain and symptom relief for patients with any serious illness.
2) To work alongside the treating physician to ensure continuity of care for patients.
3) To provide patients and families with the necessary information and skills to manage the impact of the illness on their daily lives.
4) To offer counselling and emotional support to patients and family members.
5) To provide grief and bereavement support to families.
Further, the services provided here are outpatient services available at South Goa District hospital from Monday to Saturday, 10 am to 12 noon.
Home care services by the palliative care team are available to patients registered at South Goa District Hospital who are unable to access the hospital.
At the OPD and in the case of home care, the palliative care physician, nurses and counsellors will assess the patient and family needs and accordingly work with them to coordinate their care in consultation with the treating physician.
For more information, please contact 9518735280, 10 am to 4 pm at the South Goa District Hospital. Also available is a national palliative care toll-free number – 1800-202-7777, Monday to Saturday, 10 am to 6 pm.
