Underserved in Andhra Pradesh get a new palliative care unit in Vishakapatnam

It was an informal meeting of three (concerned/ socially conscious) service-oriented individuals at the Waltair Club in Visakhapatnam in 2011 that sparked an initiative that has now evolved into a sustainable effort to support those in critical medical need – leading to the inauguration of a modern, well-equipped (Centre for Geriatric and Palliative care ) palliative care unit in Andhra Pradesh.

Dr. N.S. Raju, Dr. T.V.S. Rao, And Mr. P.V.G.K. Murthy, the visionaries behind this initiative, quickly set their plan in motion.  Sneha Sandhya, a society of Senior citizens came forward to sponsor “Age Care Foundation” which was registered as a charitable trust in the year 2012.

Mr. Murthy took on the role of Founder Chairman, Dr TVS Rao, the Vice Chairman while Dr. Raju became the Managing Trustee. And many eminent people from the fields of medicine, social work, academics, commerce and industry joined the trust.

The launch of Age Care Foundation’s new facility in Visakhapatnam will be a significant step toward expanding this much-needed care to reach many more people in North Andhra Pradesh and beyond. And, the happy and divine coincidence is that it became a reality during Dasara celebrations and is a festival gift from the foundation to the people of the state of Andhra Pradesh.

This medical unit is not a commercial venture or a startup aimed at profit but is rather a heartfelt mission to provide healthcare for the underserved.

The vision of the trio was not to establish a multi-specialty hospital, but to deliver compassionate care to those suffering from terminal illnesses and in need of end-of-life care.

Dr. N.S. Raju, Dr. T.V.S. Rao, and Mr. P.V.G.K. Murthy, the visionaries behind this initiative, quickly set their plan in motion by founding the Age Care Foundation Trust. Mr. Murthy took on the role of Founder Chairman, while Dr. Raju became the Managing Trustee. The Foundation was created as an extension of SnehaSandhya, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing recreational services for the elderly.

Since 2010, Dr. Raju and his team have been offering outpatient services and general check-ups for various old-age homes in Visakhapatnam. To enhance his expertise, Dr. Raju underwent specialized training in palliative care under the guidance of Dr. M.R. Rajagopal, often referred to as the father of palliative care in India.

Much like Buddha’s moment of awakening to the world’s suffering, Dr. Raju and his colleagues realized the profound gap in care for patients suffering from advanced illnesses such as cancer, kidney and liver failures, and other life-limiting conditions.

Time and again, they witnessed families in distress, struggling to cope without medical support when doctors had exhausted all curative options. It was in this space—where hope often fades—that palliative care could make a life-changing difference by offering relief, basic medical care, and emotional support.

In 2012, Age Care Foundation took root within the premises of American Hospital in Visakhapatnam. Since then, it has expanded its services through in-house care, home visits, and outpatient clinics, focusing particularly on underprivileged and marginalized communities.

Recognizing the need for a dedicated facility to broaden its services, the Foundation’s leadership received a generous lease donation of land from Padmasri Dr. Sunkara Adinarayana at Gambheeram, Visakhapatnam, for a period of 99 years.

Prominent personalities from the city,  Dr. G. Sambasiva Rao, Founder of Shravan Shipping Services and Dr. K. Kumar Raja of Kumar Raja Infrastructures stepped forward to serve as Chairman and Vice-Chairman, respectively, contributing significantly to the cause through huge donations.

Mr. Oruganti Naresh, Founder of Symbiosis Technologies, led fundraising efforts, securing donations from businesses, industries, and individuals alike to support the construction of a multi-block, state-of-the-art facility. This modern center, launched on the auspicious occasion of Vijaya Dasami, is set to open a significant chapter in Andhra Pradesh’s palliative care history.

The facility, designed to provide comprehensive care for patients facing life-limiting illnesses, is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for those with serious health challenges. Its focus is on pain relief, symptom management, and providing emotional, psychological, and spiritual support to both patients and their families. The ultimate goal is to ensure comfort, dignity, and the best possible care during life’s most difficult moments.

As of 2017, India ranked 67th globally in the provision of palliative care. With operations set to begin in January 2025, this new facility stands to bridge a critical gap in palliative services in the state.

While Shanti Avedna Sadan in Mumbai pioneered hospice care in India, followed by pain relief centres in Kerala’s Regional Cancer Hospital, Andhra Pradesh is now poised to make its mark in this critical field.

Today, of the 908 palliative care centres in India, 841 are concentrated in Kerala.

The  Age Care Foundation’s new facility in Visakhapatnam marks an important step toward expanding this much-needed care for the underserved in the country.