The National Program for Palliative Care (NPPC) of the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare acknowledged Meghalaya Health Department for palliative care and became the second state to earn this recognition.
The award recognized Meghalaya's innovative and humane palliative care approach, which prioritized home-based support and patient dignity. It is also the success of close collaboration among district health teams, doctors, nurses, and community health workers. The effort also aligns with Meghalaya's larger People First Health Policy, which incorporates palliative and geriatric care at the primary health center (PHC) level.
As cited by Northeast news, Officials from the Meghalaya Health Department said the honor reflects the state’s strong commitment to compassionate, patient-focused healthcare.
The award was given during the World Hospice and Palliative Care Day 2025 celebrations on Saturday at the Bagchi-Karunashraya Palliative Care Center in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
What is palliative care?
According to the WHO(World Health Organization),” Palliative care is an approach that improves the quality of life of patients (adults and children) and their families who are facing problems associated with life-threatening illness. It prevents and relieves suffering through the early identification, correct assessment, and treatment of pain and other problems, whether physical, psychosocial, or spiritual. Addressing suffering involves taking care of issues beyond physical symptoms. Palliative care uses a team approach to support patients and their caregivers. This includes addressing practical needs and providing bereavement counseling. It offers a support system to help patients live as actively as possible until death.”
Meghalaya emerged as a national example to provide accessible and humane palliative care to individuals in need. It is also the result of collaborative efforts of Megahlaya’s health ministry
