A Journey of Compassion: My Palliative Care Story
There are certain cultural beliefs in this part of the state that influence how end-of-life care is approached. One such belief is that if a patient dies inside the house, the family cannot live there for the next six months.
Dr. Manju Rose writes:

As a palliative care doctor, I have had the privilege of supporting patients and their families through some of the most challenging moments of their lives. Since 2018, my journey in palliative care has been shaped by countless stories of love, loss, and resilience.
Tanuku Municipality, the fourth largest Urban Local Body (ULB) in West Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh, spans an area of 24.83 sq. km and has a population of 90,430 (as per the 2011 census). While the town is recognized for its Rocket Fuel Manufacturing Unit, it currently lacks a dedicated palliative care center to cater to the needs of its growing population.
Home Care: A Sanctuary of Comfort
In 2018, St. Ambrose Hospital established a palliative care unit in Undrajavaram, Tanuku, Andhra Pradesh, with the support of a charitable trust called CHAI (Catholic Health Association of India), which has been providing us with financial assistance since the unit’s inception.
We have a team of dedicated volunteers who visit villages across the East Godavari district every day to identify patients eligible for end-of-life care. Once a week, I accompany them on home visits, where we provide home-based care, medication counseling, and emotional support. Patients and families are also invited to our center, where they receive comprehensive care, including treatment, food, accommodation, and other facilities—all completely free of cost.
I have had the privilege of visiting countless patients in their homes, each with their own unique stories and struggles. Through these interactions, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of palliative care on patients and families, as it empowers them to regain a sense of control over their lives, even in the face of serious illness.
In-Patient Care: A Haven of Hope
This unit has become a sanctuary for patients and families, offering a supportive environment along with comprehensive pain and symptom management, and emotional and spiritual support—all provided completely free of cost. Our dedicated team works tirelessly to alleviate symptoms, spending countless hours listening to concerns, addressing fears, and empowering patients to make informed decisions about their care. Many patients either return home with a renewed sense of purpose and hope, or pass away peacefully here, surrounded by the love and in the presence of their families.
Lessons Learned and Reflections
There are certain cultural beliefs in this part of the state that influence how end-of-life care is approached. One such belief is that if a patient dies inside the house, the family cannot live there for the next six months. This can place an immense burden on families, leading them to move the patient to a small hut or even outside by the roadside when they are nearing the end of life. Our center serves as a haven for such patients, providing them with a dignified and peaceful environment, and allowing families to take them back home for a proper funeral without fear of social repercussions.
My journey in palliative care has imparted invaluable lessons on compassion, empathy, and the profound importance of human connection. I have come to appreciate the beauty of life, even amidst suffering, and to cherish the time I spend with each patient and their family.
Reflecting on my path since 2018, I am filled with a deep sense of pride, purpose, and gratitude. I am proud to be part of a team that alleviates suffering and grateful for the trust that patients and families have placed in me. Being able to support them in such critical moments reaffirms my commitment to this field and drives my passion to continue making a difference.