Archive · 12 Oct 2026
Maharashtra Groups Urge Wider Access to Palliative Care
Palliative care helps people feel more comfortable when they have serious illnesses.
It can help people with illnesses other than cancer, too.
At an event in Mumbai, two organisations said many people in Maharashtra still cannot get this kind of care.
Dr Eric Borges said about 2.6 million people may need it, but only 20,000 have access to comprehensive services.
Governor Jishnu Dev Varma sent a message asking for more organisations and volunteers to help.
Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide said the city government could work with the Trust to open more adult day-care centres.
The event also discussed ways to manage pain.
Musicians performed at the end of the gathering.
The King George V Memorial Trust and Sukoon Nilaya marked World Hospice and Palliative Care Day 2026 at Mumbai’s Nehru Centre.
Organisers highlighted palliative care needs beyond cancer, including for people with advanced neurological, lung, kidney and liver diseases.
An estimated 2.6 million people in Maharashtra may need palliative care, while 20,000 currently have access to comprehensive services, Dr Eric Borges said.
Governor Jishnu Dev Varma sent a video message calling for more organisations and volunteers; Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide suggested BMC collaboration on adult day-care centres.
The event focused on pain management and included performances by musicians including Vidushi Anuradha Pal and 11-year-old Anant Lad.
- Who
- The King George V Memorial Trust, Sukoon Nilaya Palliative Care Centre, Dr Eric Borges, and Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide.
- What
- An event marking World Hospice and Palliative Care Day 2026 called attention to wider access to palliative care, especially for non-cancer patients.
- When
- Saturday; the article does not provide a calendar date.
- Where
- Nehru Centre, Worli, Mumbai.
- Why
- Organisers highlighted unmet need for palliative care and the importance of pain relief, symptom management, rehabilitation and counselling for people with serious illnesses.
- Event
- World Hospice and Palliative Care Day 2026
- Venue
- Nehru Centre, Worli
- Organisers
- King George V Memorial Trust and Sukoon Nilaya Palliative Care Centre
- Estimated need in Maharashtra
- 2.6 million people, according to Dr Eric Borges
- Current access
- 20,000 people have access to holistic and comprehensive services, according to Dr Eric Borges
- Day-care proposal
- Ashwini Bhide said the BMC could work with the Trust to establish adult day-care centres across Mumbai’s seven administrative zones.
- Day theme
- Pain management, an essential part of palliative care