India needs palliative care policy: Expert

Bengaluru: Two months ago, the Centre sought public opinion for allowing passive euthanasia. On Monday, Dr Jochen Beker-Ebel, a German professor, said a palliative care procurement law is the need of the hour for India.
Dr Jochen was speaking as part of Science Circle, a German Consulate initiative, which invites German researchers and professors to lecture on healthcare.Owner and CEO of MediAcion, a German academy for palliative care, Dr Jochen has been training Indian professors and specialists in palliative care approach since 2012. He spoke of the prevailing confusion among Indian politicians, media, doctors, students and the public about the meaning of palliative care.
"Most Indians confuse euthanasia and palliative care. Very few know about palliative care provided to the terminally ill, which is nothing but de-escalating unwanted treatment and making them comfortable through physical, psychological and spiritual care. Implementation of a palliative care policy would reduce their desire for an early death," said Dr Jochen, currently teaching palliative care at Mangaluru's Yenepoya University. He conducts four month courses every year at Manipal University, KMC Attavar and Yenepoya University. In the last three years, he has trained 60 Indian students in palliative care.
"India urgently needs a palliative care procurement law like the one Germany got 20 years ago. As per the law, all doctors, nurses, caregivers and patients are taught to take up palliative care efficiently and help patients die with dignity and peace," he added.