Pics: Thejaswi U Poojary
Media Release
Udupi, Apr 30: Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) marked a significant milestone in the Indian healthcare industry with the inauguration of the Manipal Hospice and Respite Centre (MHRC) at Havanje near Udupi on April 30. Justice Syed Abdul Nazeer, governor of Andhra Pradesh, inaugurated the nation's one-of-its-kind free palliative care facility.
The Manipal Hospice and Respite Centre is a unique centre affiliated with a university teaching hospital. It is the largest of its kind in Karnataka and the second largest in India. Fully philanthropic and free of cost for all age groups, it will offer two core services: hospice and respite care.
Dedicating this high-impact social initiative of MAHE, governor Justice Syed Abdul Nazeer said, “MAHE’s initiative to establish MHRC reflects a noble commitment to alleviate the suffering of those with advanced and terminal illnesses, treating compassionate care as a fundamental human right.”
Expressing concern over the alarming rise in cancer cases, the governor highlighted gaps in the healthcare system. “India reported 1.4 million new cancer cases in 2022, and yet less than 10% of patients in need receive palliative care. MHRC is a path-breaking step that shifts away from hospital-centric models and instead provides affordable, humane care, greatly reducing emotional and financial distress on families,” the governor noted.
Applauding MHRC’s values, the governor added, “This centre upholds the spirit of Manava Seve Madhava Seve — service to mankind is service to God. By offering free, personalized, and dignified end-of-life care through philanthropic support, MHRC sets a benchmark in healthcare delivery. It is a visionary model that deserves to be replicated nationwide.”
Vasanti R Pai, trustee, MAHE Trust, Dr Ranjan Pai, president, MAHE Trust, registrar of the Academy of General Education (AGE) and chairman of Manipal Education and Medical Group (MEMG), Ashoka Pai, president of Dr TMA Pai Foundation, Dr H S Ballal, pro-chancellor, MAHE, Lt Gen (Dr) M D Venkatesh, vice chancellor, MAHE, Kota Srinivas Poojary, member of parliament, Yashpal Anand Suvarna, member of legislative assembly, and Abhaya Chandra Jain, former member of legislative assembly, participated in this high-profile event.
Senior officials of MAHE including Dr Narayana Sabhahit, pro vice chancellor (technology & science), Dr Sharath K Rao, pro vice chancellor (health sciences), Dr Madhu Veeraraghavan, pro vice chancellor (management, law, humanities, and social sciences), Dr Dilip G Naik, pro vice chancellor – Mangaluru, Dr Raviraja N S, chief operating officer – operations, Dr P Giridhar Kini, registrar, Dr Vinod V Thomas, registrar (evaluation), Dr Anand Venugopal, chief operating officer – teaching hospitals, MAHE Manipal, Dr Avinash Shetty, medical superintendent, Kasturba Hospital Manipal, Dr Padmaraj Hegde, dean, Kasturba Medical College Manipal, Dr Naveen Salins, associate dean and professor and head, department of palliative medicine and supportive care, KMC Manipal, and Dr Seema Rao, director, MHRC, were present on the occasion.
A first in India: Free palliative care on a lush green campus
The MHRC, located just outside Manipal on a lush 12-acre campus by the Swarna River, with 78% green zone prioritising a calm and open environment that promotes well-being, is designed to offer compassionate care for patients facing serious and life-limiting illnesses. The facility will begin operations in June 2025 and will provide a full range of palliative and respite care services completely free of charge.
This 100-bedded facility is the only hospice in India attached to both a medical college and a tertiary care hospital that caters to both cancer and non-cancer conditions. MHRC will provide innovative care models while training the next generation of palliative care specialists. The patient-centred approach will be further enhanced through innovative telehealth programmes, ensuring accessible care for all who need it, regardless of location.
MHRC combines both hospice (end-of-life) and respite (short-term relief) services under one roof, offering comprehensive pain and symptom management, wound and stoma care, nursing and rehabilitation services. A multidisciplinary team including doctors, nurses, counsellors, psychologists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, social workers, and volunteers will provide holistic care that addresses physical, emotional, spiritual, and social needs. MHRC emphasises dignity therapy, legacy work, rehabilitation, and family empowerment, along with medical care. It also integrates education and bereavement support, ensuring patients and their families are prepared and supported through every stage of serious illness and loss.