With rising healthcare demands globally, innovative approaches are essential to alleviate resource strain and address unmet patient needs. In India, the limited availability of ICU beds—just 2.3 per 100,000 people—underscores the pressing need for creative solutions both within hospitals and through alternative care options.

Globally, the demand for palliative care has been steadily rising, particularly in ageing populations across developed markets. Countries like the United States, Canada, and those in Western Europe are increasingly integrating palliative care within home-based and community care models to manage chronic illnesses and improve patients’ quality of life outside traditional hospital settings. These markets have implemented solutions such as telehealth services, mobile hospice care, and specialised palliative care centres, helping to alleviate pressure on hospital resources while providing accessible, patient-centred care.

According to recent research, in India, the demand for palliative care is steadily growing, with 6.21 individuals per 1,000 people requiring it, particularly among those over 60 years of age. Unfortunately, even though approximately 56.8 million people globally require palliative care annually, only 14% currently receive it, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Although India launched its National Programme on Palliative Care in 2012, access and adoption remain alarmingly low, with 98% of stage-4 cancer patients still deprived of essential palliative services. With the incidence of chronic diseases and cancer on the rise, coupled with a healthcare system struggling to meet these needs, home-based palliative care is gaining attention as a practical and compassionate solution. This model has promise in reducing hospital congestion, lowering care costs, and enhancing patient comfort, offering a potential path to a more sustainable healthcare future.

The Rising Need for Palliative Care

India’s healthcare system is under immense pressure as the population ages and chronic illnesses, such as cancer, become more prevalent. An estimated 100.4 per 100,000 people were diagnosed with cancer in 2022, illustrating the critical demand for palliative support. The high demand and limited resources have led to a gap that strains both patients and healthcare providers.

Home-based palliative care aims to address this gap by bringing necessary services to patients who would otherwise require frequent hospital visits. For those in rural or remote areas, this approach is particularly beneficial, as it removes the need for travel and provides specialised care that may not be readily accessible. By shifting some of the care burden from hospitals to home environments, this model can help balance resource allocation within the healthcare system.

Multi-Faceted Benefits of Home-Based Palliative Care

Home-based palliative care provides a practical, compassionate solution that significantly benefits the entire ecosystem—from patients and their families to hospitals and doctors. By eliminating the need for frequent, taxing hospital visits, it allows patients with serious illnesses to receive routine check-ups and symptom management in the comfort of their own homes, reducing physical and emotional strain. This model is especially beneficial for those in semi-urban and rural areas, where healthcare facilities are limited, and hospitalisations can be financially burdensome.

Home-based care not only cuts direct and indirect healthcare costs but also offers more personalised treatment along with reduced risk of infections. Multidisciplinary teams, including doctors, nurses, dietitians, physiotherapists, and counsellors, deliver holistic support across physical, mental, and emotional dimensions, helping to maintain dignity and comfort. This level of comprehensive, patient-centred care enhances quality of life and provides emotional reassurance to both patients and their families.

Reducing Strain on the Burgeoning Healthcare System

Hospital facilities are often overwhelmed, particularly in areas with high population density. Shifting a portion of palliative care to the home can alleviate some of this strain, freeing hospital resources for acute and emergency cases. By allowing patients with chronic or terminal illnesses to receive quality care outside the hospital, healthcare systems can better manage resources, ultimately improving access for other critical patients in need of urgent attention.

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of adaptable healthcare systems, accelerating the adoption of home-based healthcare. As healthcare facilities prioritise resource efficiency and cost reduction, home palliative care offers a sustainable model that aligns with these goals. By reducing hospital readmissions and improving symptom management in the home setting, this approach helps healthcare systems function more effectively, offering a lifeline to overstretched hospitals.

Also Read: Advancing the Digital Health Revolution in India Requires Targeted Actions

Challenges in Expanding Home-Based Palliative Care

While home-based palliative care presents promising benefits, expanding this model across India faces logistical challenges. Access to trained healthcare professionals, particularly in rural areas, is limited, and equipping homes to handle advanced care setups requires investment in technology and infrastructure. These challenges, however, are gradually being addressed through telemedicine advancements, which enable remote monitoring, consultations, and support.

Investment in mobile healthcare technology is another avenue that can support the growth of home-based palliative care. With tools like virtual consultations and vital-sign monitoring, healthcare providers can offer continuous care even at a distance. Over time, these technological solutions could help overcome logistical barriers, making home-based palliative care more accessible and effective for patients across diverse regions.

A Compassionate and Practical Model for the Future

The demand for palliative care will only continue to grow as India’s population ages and the prevalence of chronic illnesses rises. Home-based palliative care, by offering convenience, cost-effectiveness, and compassionate support, provides an avenue to alleviate the strain on healthcare systems while improving patient quality of life.

The healthcare ecosystem—including providers, payers, regulators, and homecare agencies—needs to collaborate to offer a seamless, cost-effective model of care distribution. With investment in technology, training, and resources, this model could transform how India addresses the needs of its most vulnerable patients, balancing both immediate healthcare demands and long-term sustainability.

Views expressed by: Vishal Lathwal, CEO, Apollo Home Healthcare

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