The India edition of ehospice has published an appeal to the global community for volunteers to help develop a community-based palliative care programme in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh is facing an acute shortage of trained professionals needed to develop a palliative care service in the country. A community based palliative care programme is being developed by the Centre for Palliative Care, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSSMU), Dhaka. 

The programme, led by Dr Nezam Uddin Ahmed, aims to train volunteers in psychosocial and basic nursing support for people in the last phase of life. Dr Nezam is seeking help from interested volunteers to work with his team to support the project. 

The Institute of Palliative Medicine in Calicut, India has been working with BSSMU to develop and implement the programme. Dr Suresh Kumar, director of the Institute said “This is a wonderful opportunity to help develop a programme that will not only have profound effects on the patients who receive its service, but will transform the way health care is delivered to the poor and terminally ill” 

If you are interested in volunteering  please email  Dr Suresh Kumar at drsuresh.kumar@gmail.com, or Dr Nezam Uddin Ahmed at palcare_bsmmu@yahoo.com 

Read more on the India edition of ehospice.