Ajit Isaac Foundation,
3/3/2 Bellandur Gate, Sarjapur Road, Bengaluru 560103,
Karnataka, India
Transforming Palliative Care in Rural India: Tumkur Palliative Care Centre
Introduction:
The Ajit Isaac Foundation (AIF), in partnership with Rural India Mission Hospital Trust (RIMH) and Thankamma Ithapiri Memorial Trust (TIMT) is setting up a 63-bed palliative care center in Tumkur, Karnataka. The centre is established with assistance from USA’s John Hopkins University (JHU) and is a step towards addressing the glaring gaps in palliative care access for terminally ill patients in underserved rural areas of India.
Why Palliative Care?
Of the estimated 8-10 million Indians needing palliative care, only 1-2% currently have access, far below the global average of 14%. Most palliative care services are located in urban centres, leaving rural populations with limited options. Families with minimal resources often face immense emotional and financial stress when caring for terminally ill loved ones. Drawing from deeply personal experiences, AIF is committed to offering compassionate, dignified, and accessible care for those who need it most.
The Vision
The Tumkur Palliative Care Centre will provide:
- In-patient care for advanced symptom management and quality of life improvement.
- Out-patient and rehabilitative care to support patients in their recovery and ongoing care needs.
- Home-based care to deliver compassionate support in the comfort of patients’ homes.
- Community outreach and awareness programs to educate families and the broader community on palliative care and its importance.
Global Collaboration with Johns Hopkins University
In addition, AIF has partnered with Johns Hopkins University (JHU), a globally renowned institution, to enhance the centre’s capabilities in research, training, and knowledge dissemination.
JHU will:
- Develop training programs for healthcare staff and caregivers
- Support research fellowships and curriculum development to advance palliative care practices
- Conduct workshops and conferences to share best practices locally and globally
Our Impact
The Palliative Care Centre in Tumkur will not only serve as a sanctuary of comfort and dignity for terminally ill patients but also alleviate the financial and emotional burden on their families.
This collaboration between TIMT, RIMH Trust, AIF and JHU reflects a shared commitment to strengthening healthcare systems, enhancing community well-being, and creating lasting impact in Tumkur and beyond, ensuring that no one is left behind during life’s most vulnerable moments.
The Centre in Tumkur is scheduled to launch in early 2025, marking a step towards building a model compassionate and inclusive palliative care system in India.