St.Mary’s Palliative care Centre in Bhimavaram, an extension of St.Mary’s General Hospital, has been functioning since 1955 under the supervision of “The Congregation of the Missionary sisters of the Immaculate”(CMSI) also known as Nirmala sisters. The Centre provide shelter, food, medicines and other essentials absolutely free of cost. A dedicated team of nuns co-ordinates the functions, supported by Bhimavaram community. Palliative medicine employs a team-based approach involving physicians, nurses, social workers, psychologists, volunteers and other healthcare professionals to alleviate suffering and address various aspects of patients’ lives affected by advanced illness.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) palliative care is a crucial part of integrated, people-centred health services. Relieving serious health-related suffering, be it physical, psychological, social or spiritual, is a global ethical responsibility.
It is provided by a specially trained team of doctors, nurses, social workers, and other specialists who work together to provide an extra layer of support. It is appropriate at any age and at any stage of a serious illness. These include Cancer, congestive heart failure (CHF), Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Kidney failure, Alzheimer’s Parkinson’s, stroke and many more.
St.Mary’s Palliative care centre is a Non- profit organization. It is a registered charitable society(CMSI). St. Mary’s palliative care centre is a branch of CMSI, established in 1955. The CMSI excempted under Income Tax Act 1961 Sec.11 and enjoys the status of a charitable institution under sec.80 G of the Income Tax Act which extends Tax exception to the donors.The medical treatment and the palliative care are free for the patients admitted in the palliative care unit. Funds are generated by obtaining grants from CSR(Co-operate social responsibility) initiatives of corporates, and individual donations from donors both big and small. Kindly note that you are entitled to have the tax exception under sec 80G for the donations you offer to this palliative care unit.