Media Release
Udupi, Apr 26: Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, has announced the unveiling of one of India’s first-of-its-kind facilities, the Manipal Hospice and Respite Centre (MHRC).
The centre will be formally inaugurated on Wednesday, April 30, by Justice Syed Abdul Nazeer, Governor of Andhra Pradesh, marking the 127th birth anniversary of MAHE’s founder, Dr T M A Pai.
Clinical services at MHRC are expected to commence from June 2025. This high social impact initiative is entirely free of cost and aims to provide compassionate, holistic palliative care for patients and their families dealing with serious and life-limiting illnesses.
The facility is strategically planned with the support of multiple partners including Kasturba Medical College, Kasturba Hospital, and the Indian Association of Palliative Care. It will offer specialised palliative care through a multidisciplinary team comprising trained physicians, nurses, psychologists, social workers, and other support staff.
Several corporates and non-profit organisations are also contributing to its funding. Located just 4.5 kilometers from Kasturba Medical College Hospital and 4 kilometers from NH-66, MHRC is set within a peaceful 12-acre green campus along the banks of the Swarna River, providing a serene environment for patients and families.
Addressing a press conference, Dr H S Ballal, pro-chancellor of MAHE, said, "This initiative is a response to the changing social structure, where nuclear families often find it difficult to care for terminally ill loved ones due to work and lifestyle constraints. Earlier, joint families could provide support, but today’s reality is different. Hence, we are establishing MHRC to ensure that elderly and terminally ill patients can live their remaining days with dignity and happiness. As an institution known for healthcare and education, this facility reflects our broader commitment to empathy, dignity, and humanity."
Expressing his views, Lt Gen (Dr) M D Venkatesh, VSM (Retd), vice chancellor of MAHE, stated, "MHRC is a groundbreaking initiative that furthers our mission of specialized and empathetic healthcare delivery. As the only hospice in India affiliated with both a medical college and a tertiary care hospital, it is uniquely placed to deliver advanced palliative care while also training future caregivers. Services at MHRC will be entirely free of cost and will support both patients and their families during end of life care. Unlike hospitals, MHRC will offer a homely environment, allowing families to live alongside their loved ones."
The patient admission process will follow specific criteria including symptoms, burden, anticipated length of life, and screening by the Kasturba Hospital team. Initially, 35 beds will be launched in one block, with the capacity to expand to 100 beds as needed.
The focus will be on end-of-life care and respite care, providing comfort and support rather than curative treatments. Facilities such as ICUs, dialysis, and ventilators will not be part of MHRC, as the centre aims to create a home-like environment for terminally ill patients.
Dr Naveen Salins, professor and head, department of Palliative Medicine and Supportive Care, briefed the media about MHRC’s facilities, goals, and vision.
The project is built over 12 acres of land and with the green zone up to 78%. The campus prioritises serenity and healing – offering patients, families, and staff a calm, green and open environment that promotes well-being. The facilities are at no cost to patients or families – regardless of illness, background or their ability to pay.
Dr Narayana Sabhahit, pro vice-chancellor (Technology & Science), Dr Sharath K Rao, pro vice-chancellor (Health Sciences), Dr Raviraja N S, chief operating officer, Dr P Giridhar Kini, registrar of MAHE, Dr Seema Rajesh Rao, director of MHRC, Dr Avinash Shetty, medical superintendent, Dr Padmaraj Hegde, dean, department of Urology, Bharath Kumar, director of PR Media and Social Media and Sachin Karanth, deputy director of PR and Communications were present on the occasion.
Hospice: end-of-life care with dignity, symptom relief, and family support.
Respite: short–term relief and rehab for patients and caregivers.