Now it includes a wide range of services, from diagnosis to the provision of necessary medications.
"This is significant progress for the entire healthcare sector! A developed palliative care system demonstrates the maturity and humanity of the state, its ability to care for everyone, regardless of age, financial status, or place of residence," note representatives of the Association of Palliative and Hospice Care.
Chapter 9. Palliative Care (click to expand text) Palliative care is intended for patients with incurable diseases that limit life in the final stages or in cases causing severe suffering, in accordance with the package "Assessment and Management of Patients in Need of Palliative Care" from the section "Growth, Development, Aging," as well as other relevant sections.
It can be provided in both outpatient and inpatient facilities, regardless of their ownership, as well as at home according to clinical protocols.
The responsibility for identifying patients in need of palliative care lies with the primary medical and social care (PMSC) organization, which also coordinates the provision of assistance and, if necessary, refers patients to specialized institutions.
The palliative care package includes:
- pain relief and alleviation of distressing symptoms;
- psychosocial support;
- spiritual and social assistance;
- support for families and caregivers;
- coordination of medical, nursing, and social services in accordance with clinical protocols.
Medications and medical devices for patients receiving palliative care are provided according to clinical protocols and regulations governing the handling of controlled substances.
Patients in need of palliative care receive necessary diagnostic services to monitor symptoms and adjust treatment in accordance with the basic packages.
Institutions providing palliative care organize social protection, psychological support, and training for family members in essential caregiving skills.
Healthcare professionals are required to inform patients or their legal representatives about the goals and methods of palliative care, ensuring their participation in decision-making in accordance with patient rights and ethical standards.
Collapse Co-Chair of the Association of Palliative and Hospice Care Talaygul Sabyrbekova shared with the editorial team of Kaktus.media her thoughts on the significance of including palliative care in the State Guarantees Program for Kyrgyzstan.
- What are the benefits for citizens with the inclusion of palliative care in the SG?
- First of all, it is accessibility. Palliative care will now be:
- available in outpatient clinics, hospitals, specialized centers, and at home;
- provided free of charge as part of the basic package;
- implemented according to unified clinical protocols and quality standards.
- effective relief from pain and other severe symptoms;
- psychological, social, and spiritual support;
- assistance for family members caring for the patient;
- access to necessary medications, including pain relievers;
- appropriate diagnostic services for symptom monitoring and treatment adjustment.
In other words, a person will not be left alone with pain, and their family will not be without support and knowledge on how to care for them.The decision to include palliative care in the SG is a bold and correct step.
Palliative care is not just a high cost, but a great value. Access to necessary medications, the work of primary medical and social care specialists, family support, and pain relief are minimal yet extremely important investments that the state must ensure.
We highly appreciate this initiative and express our gratitude to the Ministry of Health for the work done. This is the result of thoughtful policy in the interests of citizens.
- What are the next steps?- We are ready to collaborate with the Ministry of Health, medical institutions, and partners for the successful implementation of the new chapter of the SG.
It is important for us that palliative care becomes accessible not only on paper but also in people's lives.
