Question NW665 to the Ms D Carter (Cope) to ask Minister of Health
09 April 2019 - NW665
Hunsinger, Mr CH to ask the Ms D Carter (Cope) to ask Minister of Health
(a) What is the position of the Government on the development of palliative care in the country and (b) how does the Government (i) intend to roll out palliative care and (ii) envisage working with and supporting community-based palliative care organisations?
Reply:
a) The development of Palliative care in the country is informed by the National Policy Framework and Strategy on Palliative Care 2017-2022 which is based on the WHA Resolution WHA 67.19 “Strengthening of Palliative Care as a Component of Comprehensive Care throughout the Life Course”, to which the country was a signatory. Palliative care starts at a point of diagnosis of a life-threatening disease or condition and is inclusive of but does not equate to care of the dying.
b) (i) Palliative Care will be integrated into the health service at all levels of care and implementation focuses on creating awareness on Palliative care and the provisions of the policy, auditing of provincial services on which to base Provincial Implementation Plans, Human Resource Development through in-service training and undergraduate training and access to palliative care medicines, in particular pain management and consumables.
(ii) Community-based palliative organisationa will continue to provide services at district and provincial levels and will be supported through grants, where applicable.
END.