SEWA launches advanced palliative care services

Marking a significant shift toward professionalising the care economy, the Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA), Kerala, launched advanced palliative and long-term care services, including geriatric care, on Saturday.

The initiative, which follows two years of intensive discussions, has been launched in collaboration with the Swashreya Mahila Sewa Sangham (SMSS), Pallium India, and Health Action by People (HAP).

It aims at deploying a specialised workforce of 30 women trained to provide compassionate, high-quality home care for patients with chronic illnesses.

The programme seeks to address a critical shortage of skilled caregivers in Thiruvananthapuram.

As Kerala faces a rapidly ageing population and a growing ‘time poverty’ among families unable to provide full-time care for the elderly, this first batch of 30 women underwent a rigorous three-week practical and theoretical training programme under Pallium India.

Their training covered complex medical subjects essential for managing conditions such as dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and stroke recovery and geriatric care needs.

Inaugurating the programme, former Chief Secretary S.M. Vijayanand said professionalising the care-giving sector not only ensured patient dignity but also provided a sustainable path for women seeking independent livelihoods.

M.R. Rajagopal, chairman, Pallium India; Sairu Philip, Principal, Kannur Medical College; and Nalini Nayak, founder of SEWA, were present.

For more details call 8089419921 or email smss.palliativecare@gmail.com or visit the SEWA office.