Integration of palliative care into public health care systems is essential for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goal 3, target 8 on universal health coverage (WHA 67.19). Without access to palliative care, health-related suffering remains unrelieved
Community-based palliative care is essential because most people prefer to remain at home and primary health care providers with basic training in palliative care and symptom relief can respond effectively to most palliative care needs and arrange for transfer to a higher level of care when necessary.
World Health Organization
Reaffirms the Declaration of Alma-Ata (1978) and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, stating that “palliative care must be accessible to all” (page 5).
“We will prioritize disease prevention and health promotion and will aim to meet all people’s health needs across the life course through comprehensive preventive, promotive, curative, rehabilitative services and palliative care” (page 6).
Integrating palliative care and symptom relief into primary health care: A WHO guide for planners, implementers and managers
Practical guidance on integrating palliative care and symptom relief into health care systems. It is intended to assist anyone involved with planning, implementing, managing or assuring the quality of PHC to integrate palliative care and symptom control.