Radhanath Swami's Contribution Towards Palliative Care

Activities of Palliative Care Center at Bhaktivedanta Hospital for the year 2009-2010

-- From the Desk of Dr. Vinita Sharma, Palliative Care Physician

Palliative Care is "the active total care of patients" whose disease is not responsive to curative treatment, by a multi professional team. During the year 2009-2010, this department at Bhaktivedanta Hospital came forward to give excellent physical and psychological care to those who could have committed suicide because of tremendous depression. The department also did social rehabilitation of patient's families after death and during illnes.

Rachana Ghag, 38 years, was suffering from Breast Cancer which had spread to all the bones and both lungs and liver. Being a widow abandoned by her in-laws and a mother of two small children (6 year old son Gaurav and 11 year old daughter Saili) she was depressed and in utter hopeless state. Her deteriorating health, mounting debts and above all worry about the future of her the children after her death put her to unbearable anxiety. We, along with Health forum (headed by Mr. Rajesh Talreja), took up the task of supporting Rachana in her difficult situation. At the time of her death on 4th November 2009, she was smiling with content and gratitude at the members of Bhaktivedanta Hospital. It has been more than six months; the children are taken care of by regular home visits by the Bhaktivedanta Team to give a safe and secure future to Rachana's children.

Kameshwar Chaube, 48 years, a bread winner of the family with three small children was detected with last stage of cancer of rectum. Patient had spent his last penny in trying curative treatment without any progress. Ultimately they were without food, water and electricity for days together and children school fees pending. On top of it, he had unbearable pain and no money even to buy the cheapest pain killers. The volunteers and Health Forum members arranged for support. The social worker of the department with the help of other volunteer Ms. Momina, Professor, Royal College, came forward with a job for his wife in a Jean manufacturing company. Patient and relatives believed that 'They are not alone' and the patient departed with satisfaction.

Vrindavan Institute of Palliative Care (VIPC)

-- From the Desk of Dr. Avnish Pandey, Palliative Care Physician

VIPC has been rendering yeomen service to the terminally ill needy patients in and around Mathura - Vrindavan area. VIPC also provides end of life care during the last days or hours at the home of patients who are bed-ridden. All treatment is being provided to the patients free of charge including medicines. All basic investigations are also being done free. Over 400 terminally ill patients and their families have been benefited by VIPC team.

Jeet Bhadur, aged 55 was admitted on 20/02/2010 in VIPC. When he came to us he was terribly in pain and foul smell was coming from his wound.

After talking to him we came to know that he is living in Vrindavan since 15 years. He doesn't have family and he is out of his job since once year. His fellow mates were helping him sometime financially for his treatment. But after sometime they also got exhausted, so finally Mr. Jeet Bahadur came to us with the hope that at least his pain and wound can be taken care of.

We gave him medicine for his pain and did dressing for his wound. This patient used to sit idle all the day long and he is not so much talkative person and as he is illiterate so he could not even read books. We taught him how to pray and meditate. He is now positively engaged and does some menial service at VIPC for other patients too.

So this is the story of a person who is terminally ill, alone, no family but now after taking our services, he is cheerful, meditating and chanting the holy names of the Lord most of the time. Relieved of his physical and mental pain, he is now like a family member in VIPC.

Dying with Dignity