Medical Institution Launches Manipal Hospice and Respite Centre: Transforming Healthcare through Empathy and Care
Inauguration of Manipal Hospice and Respite Centre
The Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) has taken a significant stride in the Indian healthcare sector with the launch of the Manipal Hospice and Respite Centre (MHRC) in Havanje, near Udupi, on April 30, 2025. The event was graced by the Hon'ble Justice Shri Syed Abdul Nazeer, Governor of Andhra Pradesh who inaugurated the nation's unique free palliative care facility.
The Governor, while commending MAHE's initiative, underscored the urgent need for palliative care in the country, given the alarming rise in cancer cases. He highlighted that India reported 1.4 million new cancer cases in 2022, yet barely 10% of patients in need receive palliative care. MHRC, he noted, is a trailblazing initiative that offers a more affordable, compassionate alternative, significantly alleviating both emotional and financial stress on families.
MHRC, set on a lush 12-acre campus along the Swarna River, is designed to offer comfort and care to patients suffering from severe and terminal illnesses. It will commence operations in June 2025 and provide a comprehensive range of palliative and respite care services free of charge. Remarkably, it is India's only hospice attached to a medical college and tertiary care hospital, catering to both cancer and non-cancer patients.
The centre integrates both hospice (end-of-life) and respite (short-term relief) services under one roof. It focuses on providing personalized, dignified end-of-life care, wound and stoma management, nursing, rehabilitation, and multi-disciplinary support to cater to the patients' physical, emotional, spiritual, and social needs.
The Governor lauded MHRC as a 'visionary model' that epitomizes 'Manava Seve Madhava Seve' (service to mankind is service to God), setting a benchmark in healthcare delivery that merits nationwide replication. The event was attended by key personnel from MAHE, MP Shri Kota Srinivas Poojary, MLAs Shri Yashpal Anand Suvarna and Abhaya Chandra Jain, and other dignitaries.
The Manipal Academy of Higher Education, an Institution of Eminence Deemed-to-be University, offers various specializations across Health Sciences, Management, Law, Humanities & Social Sciences, and Technology & Science through its constituent units. MAHE's remarkable track record, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and significant contributions to research have earned it national and international recognition.
- The Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) has recently launched the Manipal Hospice and Respite Centre (MHRC), significantly expanding its influence in the Indian healthcare sector.
- The unique free palliative care facility, MHRC, is located in Havanje, near Udupi, and was inaugurated on April 30, 2025.
- The Hon'ble Justice Shri Syed Abdul Nazeer, Governor of Andhra Pradesh, graced the occasion and underscored the pressing need for palliative care given the rising cases of cancer in India.
- In 2022, India reported 1.4 million new cancer cases, yet only 10% of those in need receive palliative care, according to the Governor.
- MHRC is a trailblazing initiative that offers a more affordable, compassionate alternative, alleviating emotional and financial stress on families.
- Set on a 12-acre campus along the Swarna River, MHRC is designed to offer comfort and care to patients suffering from severe and terminal illnesses.
- The centre will start operations in June 2025 and provide a comprehensive range of palliative and respite care services free of charge.
- MHRC is India's only hospice attached to a medical college and tertiary care hospital, catering to both cancer and non-cancer patients.
- The centre integrates both hospice (end-of-life) and respite (short-term relief) services under one roof.
- It focuses on providing personalized, dignified end-of-life care, wound and stoma management, nursing, rehabilitation, and multi-disciplinary support.
- The Governor lauded MHRC as a 'visionary model' that embodies 'Manava Seve Madhava Seve' (service to mankind is service to God).
- MHRC sets a benchmark in healthcare delivery that merits nationwide replication, as noted by the Governor.
- The event was attended by key personnel from MAHE, MP Shri Kota Srinivas Poojary, MLAs Shri Yashpal Anand Suvarna and Abhaya Chandra Jain, and other dignitaries.
- MAHE, an Institution of Eminence Deemed-to-be University, offers various specializations across Health Sciences, Management, Law, Humanities & Social Sciences, and Technology & Science.
- The centre's remarkable track record, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and significant contributions to research have earned MAHE national and international recognition.
- With the inauguration of MHRC, MAHE has made a substantial contribution to the education sector, offering comprehensive palliative care services.
- As we grapple with the rising prevalence of chronic diseases such as COPD, type-2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and breast cancer, the need for innovative healthcare infrastructure grows.
- MHRC's model could be replicated in the realm of mental health, addressing issues like depression, anxiety, and Alzheimers disease.
- Technology and science have a role to play in enhancing healthcare delivery; advancements in medical conditions like multiple sclerosis, migraines, and cardiovascular health can be accelerated through cutting-edge research and therapies.
- In the realm of nutrition, weight management, and skin care, supplements and workplace-wellness initiatives can significantly improve overall health and wellness.
- Fitness and exercise are essential components of comprehensive health management, addressing digestive health, eye health, hearing, and respiratory conditions.
- Renewable energy, climate change, and environmental science are interconnected with healthcare, as cleaner air and water contribute to better public health.
- The manufacturing industry can play a crucial role in producing medical devices, treatments, and therapies for various conditions, such as cancer, autoimmune disorders, and neurological disorders.
- The retail sector can contribute by promoting health and wellness products, including therapies and treatments, skin care, and fitness equipment.
- The transportation and automotive industries can improve the accessibility of healthcare services, making them more affordable and accessible to all.
- Public transit, entrepreneurship, aviation, and small business are integral to a thriving economy, and their growth can indirectly contribute to better healthcare outcomes.
- Leadership, diversity, and inclusion are crucial in driving positive change in any industry, including healthcare.
- The banking and insurance sectors play a vital role in financing healthcare initiatives, from research and development to infrastructure development and treatment costs, influencing the overall health and wellbeing of the population.