Marking a major move towards professionalizing 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, was launched in collaboration with Swashreya Mahila Sewa Sangham (SMSS), Pallia India and Health Action by People (HAP).
It aims to deploy a specialist workforce of 30 women trained to provide compassionate, high-quality home care for patients with chronic illnesses.
The program seeks to address the critical shortage of skilled caregivers in Thiruvananthapuram.
As Kerala faces a rapidly aging population and increasing “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 program at Pallium India.
Their training covered the complex medical subjects necessary to manage conditions such as dementia, Parkinson’s disease, stroke recovery and geriatric care needs.
Inaugurating the programme, former Chief Secretary SM Vijayanand said that professionalisation of the care delivery sector has not only ensured the dignity of patients but also provided a sustainable path for women seeking independent livelihood.
MR Rajagopal, Chairman, Pallium India; Sairu Philip, Principal, Kannur Medical College; and Nalini Nayak, founder of SEWA, were present.
For more information call 8089419921 or email smss.palliativecare@gmail.com or visit SEWA office.
Published – 17 Jan 2026 21:14 IST