Case Study: Researchers and Non-governmental Organizations
Project Background
An NGO dedicated to improving healthcare access in Northern India identified a critical gap in palliative care services within the region. Despite the growing need for end-of-life care due to the rising burden of chronic diseases, cancer, and other life-limiting conditions, many communities lacked access to specialized care, especially in rural and undeserved areas. The NGO’s mission was to develop sustainable, community-based palliative care services that would provide relief, dignity, and comfort to patients in their final stages of life, while also educating and empowering local communities about palliative care principles. The project required initial financial support to commence, prompting a partnership with us to secure funding and establish a sustainable model for the initiative's long-term success.
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Mandate
We were tasked with helping the NGO successfully complete a funding request to the World Health Organization (WHO) to support the establishment of community-based palliative care services in Northern India. This included creating a compelling case for funding, presenting the need for palliative care services, and demonstrating the potential impact of the project on local communities. Once the first funding was secured, we were further mandated with helping the NGO develop a sustainable funding model by forming partnerships with local authorities, hospitals, pharmaceutical industries, and healthcare professionals. The ultimate goal was to ensure that the community-based palliative care services would be self-sustaining and no longer reliant on external financial assistance.
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Methodology
A. Data Collection and Analysis
To support the funding request to WHO and to guide the design of the palliative care model, we conducted thorough research on the region's healthcare infrastructure, current palliative care availability, and patient needs. This involved gathering qualitative data through interviews with local healthcare providers, hospitals, and community leaders to understand the scope of the problem and identify key areas where community-based palliative care could make the most significant impact. Additionally, quantitative data was collected from regional health statistics, including mortality rates, chronic illness prevalence, and gaps in current healthcare services. The analysis highlighted critical issues such as limited access to palliative care education and resources, insufficient infrastructure, and the cultural stigma surrounding end-of-life care. This data was vital in crafting a strong and evidence-backed funding proposal to WHO.
B. Results Dissemination
Once the WHO funding was secured, we worked with the NGO to disseminate the results of the research and the success of the funding acquisition to a variety of stakeholders. The findings were shared with local authorities, healthcare institutions, and the pharmaceutical industry to build a network of support for the community-based palliative care initiative. Additionally, workshops and outreach programs were organized to present the importance of palliative care to local communities, healthcare providers, and governmental bodies. These events focused on raising awareness about the benefits of integrating palliative care into primary healthcare settings, and they fostered the creation of local partnerships. These collaborative efforts enabled to establish the foundation for sustained funding and long-term support.
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Impact
The impact of this initiative was far-reaching. The project was able to establish and pilot community-based palliative care services that significantly improved the quality of life for terminally ill patients in Northern India. Qulysis’s support in developing partnerships with local hospitals, healthcare professionals, and pharmaceutical companies created a collaborative ecosystem that ensured the services' longevity. As a result, the community-based palliative care model became fully sustainable, no longer relying on external funding. Over time, local authorities and healthcare providers took ownership of the program, integrating it into the region’s healthcare system. This model not only enhanced access to compassionate end-of-life care but also contributed to the normalization of palliative care practices across Northern India. The project demonstrated the power of a community-driven, collaborative approach to addressing healthcare challenges, and it set a precedent for other regions looking to develop similar sustainable healthcare models.
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