Cipla Foundation, NIMHANS Partners to Set Up Neuro-Palliative Care Unit

The newly established unit provides support to individuals with neurological conditions such as Alzheimer's, Dementia, and Parkinson's, through in-patient, out-patient, and home care. 

In partnership with the Cipla Foundation, the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences (NIMHANS) has launched a neuro-palliative care unit in Bengaluru. 

The newly established unit provides support to individuals with neurological conditions such as Alzheimer's, Dementia, and Parkinson's, through in-patient, out-patient, and home care. 

Reportedly, the unit has already assisted over 2,000 individuals along with teleconsultation services to patients as well as their families and caregivers. 

Further, the care unit consists of a multidisciplinary team of medical and social work professionals who provide support to patients and their families, free of cost, as they navigate symptoms associated with progressive conditions. 

These symptoms include movement challenges, respiratory issues, speech difficulties, swallowing problems, cognitive impairments, and communication barriers that can arise during the course of treatment.

Dr Pratima Murthy, director, NIMHANS said, 'œThis initiative will go a long way in supporting patients with neurological conditions along with their families.'

In addition to medical care, the team extends emotional support to both patients and their families as they adapt to life with the disease and increasingly require external assistance. They conduct assessments of patients' home environments and take proactive measures to prepare for the disease's progression. 

Furthermore, the unit collaborates with the District Mental Health program and local palliative centres to ensure continuous support and holistic care for patients. Additionally, the unit creates personalised, home-based care plans tailored to the specific needs of each individual.

Sharing his views, Rumana Hamied, managing trustee, Cipla Foundation, said, 'œThis initiative reinforces our dedication to strengthening India's palliative care ecosystem.'

The Cipla Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Cipla, a pharmaceutical company founded by Dr KA Hamied in 1935. The foundation collaborates with various institutions, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), government agencies, and domain experts to implement social initiatives. It aims to make meaningful contributions to society and empower vulnerable communities.

Based in Bangalore, NIMHANS was established in 1974, as a result of the amalgamation of the erstwhile State Mental Hospital and the All India Institute of Mental Health (AIIMH). It is the apex body for mental health and neuroscience education in India and operates autonomously under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Last year, on World Mental Health Day, NIMHANS launched an initiative National Tele Mental Health Programme to improve access to quality mental health counselling and care services in the country. 

The vision of NIMHANS is to be a world leader in mental health, neurosciences, and allied fields. It aims to provide high standards of clinical care, quality training, and advanced research in the frontier areas.

In a similar instance, Bengaluru-based IT and tech firm Vee Technologies opened a new unit to serve healthcare clients in the US. With this, the firm marked its fourth facility in the state to provide round-the-clock healthcare services to US clients from this new location.

Days back, Arete Hospital launched a new advanced facility in Gachibowli, Hyderabad to lessen the stress associated with availing hospital services and make them more trustworthy and hospitable.