SC orders centre to submit report within 3 weeks on palliative care case

On Monday, the Court ordered the Central Government to submit information within three weeks regarding its compliance with the 2017 guidelines on palliative care issued by the Ministry of Health.

New Delhi: The Supreme Court, while hearing a crucial case on the specialized treatment method palliative care (care that alleviates pain and suffering), issued important directives to the Central Government. On Monday, the Court ordered the Central Government to submit information within three weeks regarding its compliance with the 2017 guidelines on palliative care issued by the Ministry of Health.

A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta issued this order while hearing a petition seeking to provide palliative care to patients suffering from serious and life-threatening illnesses under the National Health Program. The next hearing in this case will be held on November 25th.

What issue did the advocate raise?
Senior Advocate Jayna Kothari explained that according to these 2017 guidelines, a palliative care team is to be formed in every district and a palliative care cell is to be established in every state. He stated that the Center has not yet clarified how many states and hospitals have implemented these guidelines.

Three-week information gathering order

Following this, the bench directed the Additional Solicitor General and senior counsel for the Central Government to collect information from the states within three weeks and inform the court of the status of implementation of palliative care.

It is noteworthy that in March 2024, the Supreme Court had also sought a detailed report from the Center and others on the steps taken and policies in place regarding palliative care. Palliative care is a specialized medical service for seriously ill patients that alleviates their pain and suffering.

Now, understand what palliative care is?
It is worth noting that palliative care is a specialized medical service for patients suffering from serious and life-threatening illnesses. Its purpose is to reduce pain, suffering, and mental stress, making the patient's life comfortable. This care can be provided in a hospital, home, or any health facility and focuses on improving the patient's quality of life.