The Planning Commission has recognised the palliative care programme being implemented in the State under Arogyakeralam as one among the best healthcare schemes in the country, Health Minister V.S. Sivakumar has said.
In a statement here, Mr. Sivakumar said that the palliative care scheme, being implemented in 736 local bodies in the State, would be extended to all taluk hospitals.
Thiruvananthapuram district has already been declared a total palliative care district.
Palliative care units have been started in 73 panchayats, four municipalities and the City Corporation in the district .
An expert team from the Planning Commission will be visiting the district on January 8 and 9 to learn about the service delivery of this project at the primary and secondary care levels and to assess the training facilities for palliative care volunteers.