Institute of Palliative Medicine (IPM) is the pioneer of palliative care movement in South East Asia. As the first World Health Organisation Collaborating Centre for Community Participation in Palliative Care and Long Term Care (WHOCC) in developing countries, we are trying to establish community based palliative care in different parts of India and abroad. IPM is instrumental in developing the “Kerala Model” of palliative care which is popular among the palliative care fraternity worldwide. IPM is the training, research and outreach arm of Pain and Palliative Care Society (PPCS). It is located in the Medical College campus, Kozhikode, Kerala, India.
Pain and Palliative Care Society (PPCS) is a right based Civil Society Organization for people living with incurable and debilitating illness. Formed in 1993, we are the first charitable society for community based palliative care in Low and Middle income countries. PPCS has the distinction of initiating the first community volunteer program and the first home care program for the bedridden patients to its credit. The Foundation Course in Palliative Care started by Pain and Palliative Care Society in 1996 was the first residential course in palliative care for health care professionals in Low and Middle income countries. Neighbourhood Network in Palliative Care (NNPC) formed in 1999 jointly by four organizations – Pain and Palliative Care Society, Malappuram Initiative in Palliative Care, Alpha Charitable Trust and Justice Sivaraman Foundation evolved in the next few years to become World’s largest palliative care network.
We have got 30 bedded inpatient facility to take care of those who need admission. Generally we encourage and provide care at home. But some patients need admission due to severe symptoms which needs timely and frequent intervention. Patients are offered admission for relief of symptoms, respite for the family and for terminal care. The ambience of the hospital is set as to give maximum comfort and relaxation to the patients with good ventilation and moving space.
There are 6 Air-conditioned twin sharing guest rooms and 12 non Air-conditioned which accommodate three guests. Total of 40 guests can stay at a time with all basic facilities provided for guests and trainees for a minimum daily rental.
A neat and spacious canteen which supplies vegetarian food at a very reasonable price. Food for Patients and a caretaker is provided free of cost.
'Santhwanam' in Malayalam means consolation and 'vanam' is forest. So may be translated as 'consolation forest'. It is a space and concept to provide a green and beautiful ambience for our patients who generally suffer with lot of mental and physical stress. With trees and plants and pavements for them to move even in wheelchairs 'Santhwana Vanam' is a real relaxation point. Wild growths, flowers and fruits attract a variety of butterflies and birds adding serenity to the place.
Amphitheatre used for various entertainment programs for patients esp for those who are suffering from long term bedridden conditions like Paraplegia and their relatives.