Palliative care aims to improve the quality of life of patients and their families who are facing serious and life-limiting illnesses. | Photo credit: GORODENKOFF
The Government of Karnataka has constituted a State Level Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) on Palliative Care to guide the planning, implementation and monitoring of services across Karnataka.
The decision, announced in a cabinet order on March 23, follows a proposal from the Ministry of Health that emphasizes the need for structured technical guidance and coordinated efforts to expand palliative care.
Palliative care aims to improve the quality of life of patients and their families facing serious and life-limiting illnesses through early identification and management of pain and other physical, psychological and social problems.
The initiative is in line with the National Program for Palliative Care (NPPC). The government has also indicated its intention to draw on best practices, particularly the community-based model implemented in Kerala, which combines home-based, outpatient and institutional care with community participation. At the recent budget meeting, the allocation of funds for palliative care was announced.
Interdepartmental coordination
Officials said the committee aims to provide policy support, technical oversight and coordination between departments and is expected to improve access to services, especially for patients with cancer and chronic diseases.
The committee will be chaired by the Principal Secretary (Health and Family Welfare). Members include the Director of Health and Social Services, the Deputy Director (NCDs) and the Deputy Director (Mental Health).
Experts on the subject include Anuradha Ganigara, associate professor in the Department of Anesthesiology and Pediatric Palliative Medicine at the Indira Gandhi National Institute of Child Health; Yadhuraj Gowda MK, Head of Palliative Medicine, Kidwai Memorial Institute, Government Cancer Institute; Rajani Surendra Bhat, interventional pulmonologist and palliative care physician at Sparsh Hospitals; and Nandini Vallath, professor and head of the department of pain and palliative medicine at St. John’s Medical College Hospital. It will also include a representative from a recognized NGO, including Pallium India, Swami Vivekananda Youth Movement, Karunashraya Trust or One Billion Lives Foundation.
Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology already serves as a nodal center for the Karnataka Palliative Care Policy Cell.
Terms of reference
According to the terms of reference, the committee will advise on policy, standards, treatment protocols and service delivery at primary, secondary and tertiary levels. It will also focus on improving access to essential narcotics for pain management.
The panel will recommend standards, treatment protocols and service delivery models at all levels of care. He will lead integration with state and national health programs, review action plans and advise on infrastructure, human resources, training and referral systems.
The committee will also monitor program performance, service coverage, availability of essential drugs, and quality of care, and promote evaluation, research, and best practices.
Dr. Welcoming the move, Gowda said the committee would help streamline palliative care efforts. “This is an important step towards integrating palliative care into the public health system. With better access to essential medicines and stronger community participation, services can be expanded across the state,” he said.
Published – 27 March 2026 20:48 IST
