Ponda centre to offer terminally-ill patients TLC

PANJIM: Focusing on reliving sufferings towards the last days of a patient’s life is  the motto behind one of the first projects to be started and run by doctors  belonging to the Indian Medical Association (IMA), Dilasa. 

The centre that is under construction at Farmagudi, Ponda will cater to terminal  illnesses like cancer and Alzheimer’s disease incorporating spirituality and meditation  as part of the palliative care to patients. 

Talking about the project, IMA President Dr. Prasad Netravalkar said changing life  styles was a reason behind onset of diseases that are not curable. 

“There are more  people in their 70s and 80s that are disabled. There are more nuclear families and  no one is willing to take care of the elderly. The entire project that began three  years ago allows for these critically ill patients so they can die peacefully,” he said. 

Though some pharmaceutical companies have showed their support to the project,  financial help from the government side was a huddle they are hoping to  overcome. Recent news of Rs. 35 lakh being released under the MPLAD scheme  has raised their hopes. 

Doctors associated with IMA Ponda along with Kala Academy and Kala Garh, Margao have decided to raise funds from a charity play called Lagnachi Bedi to be  held on August 30 at Kala Academy. 

All proceeds will go into the 5,000 square  meter centre that will have specially trained nurses to provide palliative care.  Infrastructure for the project is expected to cost Rs. 2.5 crore while maintenance  funds and sinking funds are expected to be Rs. 2.5 crore and Rs. 1 crore  respectively. So far the group have managed to raise Rs. 82 lakh through past  fundraisers and the centre is expected to be completed by March 2016. 

Patients will be charged between Rs. 10,000 and Rs. 12,000 per month but the  association has said they would consider those that were not able to pay the  money.