ICMR Launches Nationwide Study to Bridge India’s Palliative Care Gap, Aiming Wider Access for Millions
The initiative comes against the backdrop of a stark reality fewer than 1% of Indians who require palliative care currently receive it, underscoring a critical shortfall in the healthcare system.
- By Newsdesk
- New Delhi
- Apr 22, 2026
In a significant push to address India’s widening gap in end-of-life care, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is preparing to roll out a multi-state implementation study aimed at expanding access to palliative care across the country.
The initiative comes against the backdrop of a stark reality fewer than 1% of Indians who require palliative care currently receive it, underscoring a critical shortfall in the healthcare system.
The proposed study will focus on designing, testing and scaling an integrated model of palliative care within the public health framework. By embedding these services into existing healthcare delivery systems, the programme seeks to ensure that patients suffering from chronic and life-limiting conditions such as cancer, neurological disorders and advanced respiratory illnesses receive timely pain management and supportive care.
ICMR’s effort is structured as an implementation research project, meaning it will not only evaluate clinical approaches but also examine how palliative care can be effectively delivered at scale across diverse states. The goal is to create a replicable model that can be adopted nationwide, particularly within government-run health facilities.
India’s need for such an intervention is urgent. Estimates suggest that millions require palliative support annually, yet access remains limited due to inadequate infrastructure, lack of trained professionals, and low awareness about such services.
By prioritising integration with primary and secondary healthcare systems, the study is expected to bridge these gaps and bring relief closer to patients’ homes. If successful, it could mark a transformative shift in how India approaches long-term and end-of-life care moving from fragmented services to a more inclusive, patient-centric model.