Currents Affairs health in India:

It is estimated that the number of persons suffering from chronic non communicable diseases is increasing and overall non communicable diseases constitute more than 40% of all deaths in the country. However, it is not possible to define the number that die due to a lack of palliative care, which essentially aims to improve the quality of life of patients through treatment of pain and related problems.

Palliative care for patients is a component of the National Cancer Control Programme, and 17 of 27 regional cancer centres provide palliative care services. However, full fledged departments or units are not available in most regional cancer centres. The Central Government provides funds for civil works and equipments to these centres, while the State Government or concerned institutions provide services and funds for remaining activities, which includes preventive diagnostic treatment and palliative services for Cancer Control.

The availability and use of morphine is governed by Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, and the Drugs and Cosmetic Act, 1940.

Palliative Care forms a part of some post graduate courses in medical education.

This information was given by Minister for Health and Family Welfare Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad in written reply to a question raised in Lok Sabha