Jeevathalam, a pain and palliative care society associated with the CPI(M) based at Mararikulam, is set to launch a palliative care training school in the district, touted as the first of its kind initiative in the State.
Jeevathalam Pain and Palliative Care Society convener R. Riyas told The Hindu that the school would be functional soon at Mararikulam and would help train and equip volunteers, nurses, ASHA workers, and others involved in palliative care.
“There are specialised trainers in palliative care in the State but they are all imparting training on an individual level. We are the first to launch a palliative care training school in the State,” he said.
Mr. Riyas said a faculty comprising doctors and specialised trainers would be formed to impart palliative care skills to volunteers. Training would be provided to all willing volunteers from across the State.
In the initial months, classes would be held on second Saturdays. Later, classes would be arranged once every week separately for volunteers, nurses, and others.
“Today, there are a number of societies and trusts involved in palliative care but unfortunately most of its volunteers are undertrained to provide care to bedridden patients. Even not all nurses are trained in palliative care. This is where the formal training will come in handy as volunteers will be made capable of providing effective palliative care. It will also help to expand the palliative care to more areas,” Mr. Riyas said.
Jeevathalam, a group of nine palliative care societies spread across four panchayats of Mararikulam Thekku, Muhamma, Mannanchery, and Aryad, is involved in various voluntary services in the region.
The society has been credited with the successful implementation of the ‘Hunger-free Mararikulam’ project. Under the project, around 400 people in four panchayats are provided free food and necessary medical care. Through an e-health initiative, services of doctors are also provided to bedridden patients.
Other than this, it also helps in the education of a number of orphan children. A Dress Bank, created under the aegis of Jeevathalam, collects unused clothes from people and donates it to the needy.
