Hyd: Sparsh Hospice Marks 15 Years of Free Palliative Care, Receives NABH Accreditation
Addressing a gathering of around 200 people at the anniversary celebrations, the Minister said the hospice deserved every possible encouragement for its service to society.
He unveiled the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH) accreditation plaque and presented the GuideStar India recognition to the institution.
Sparsh Hospice has served approximately 17,000 patients and their families over the past 15 years, with nearly 90 per cent of its patients receiving care free of cost.
The institution has been recognised as the first hospice in India to receive NABH accreditation, according to the organisation.
The Minister assured support in addressing the hospice’s requirements, including water-related issues, and appreciated its commitment to providing care and dignity to patients during the final stages of life.
Special Chief Secretary Jayesh Ranjan commended the institution for maintaining quality standards while offering free services to most patients.
He also welcomed its initiative, the Living Will Digital Vault, which enables individuals to document their medical wishes.
AIG Hospitals Chairman and Managing Director Dr. D. Nageshwar Reddy called for wider recognition of the hospice’s work, saying palliative care institutions were as essential as hospitals in ensuring dignity and compassion for patients with life-limiting illnesses.
Sparsh Hospice Founder Trustee Dr. M. Subrahmanyam said the institution was established in 2011 by the Rotary Club of Banjara Hills in a rented premises with 12 beds.
It later moved to its present 82-bed facility, built on government-leased land with donor contributions of approximately Rs. 15 crore.
The hospice currently employs nearly 100 staff members, provides home-based palliative care and operates an eight-bed neuro-palliative care unit.
Its monthly operating expenditure is around Rs. 50 lakh, met largely through contributions from individuals, corporates and anonymous donors.
The institution has also trained 257 people in palliative care and is collaborating with the Indian School of Business to explore ways to expand such services in Hyderabad and beyond.
Founder Trustee Jagadish Babu Ramadugu said the hospice had established South India’s first Living Will Clinic and developed the Living Will Digital Vault in partnership with Microsoft to make documenting and accessing healthcare preferences more convenient.
Sparsh Hospice has received the GuideStar India Platinum Certification for the 10th consecutive year and has been included among India’s Top 500 Credible Non-profits, according to the organisation.
The anniversary event was attended by senior government officials, healthcare professionals, trustees, members of the Rotary Club of Banjara Hills and hospice staff.
