Raising Awareness for Terminally Ill Cancer Patients in Sri Lanka

The Lifeline Hope Foundation (LHF) hosted a workshop on "Home Based Palliative Care" at the Amalya Grand Hotel in Homagama, where two renowned oncologists, Dr. Sujeewa Weerasinghe and Dr. Shama Goonathilaka, discussed the concept and debunked misconceptions about palliative care. LHF, a voluntary organization, aims to add "life to the years" of cancer patients in the comfort of their own homes by providing financial and material aid, as well as counseling for patients, caregivers, and family members.

Key Takeaways:

• The Lifeline Hope Foundation (LHF) is a voluntary organization set up in 2023 to help terminally ill cancer patients with financial and material aid, and counseling.
• The main objective of LHF is to add "life to the years" of cancer patients in the comfort of their own homes.
• The workshop aimed to raise awareness among the public about the need to help terminally ill cancer patients, emphasizing that some forms of assistance do not require monetary investment.
• Palliative Care is a specialized medical approach for patients with serious illnesses, focusing on improving their quality of life by managing pain and providing psychological, emotional, and spiritual support.
• The workshop covered the entire gamut of the Palliative Care process, from diagnosis to end of life.
• Over 130 patients have received help from the LHF in the Western and Southern Provinces, with a total assistance value of Rs. 6.2 million.
• LHF personnel work on a voluntary basis with patients, in close coordination with their doctors and family members.
• The organization plans to expand its services to other provinces.

Statistics:

• 130+ patients assisted by LHF in the Western and Southern Provinces.
• Total assistance value of Rs. 6.2 million.
• 2023 - the year the Lifeline Hope Foundation was set up.

Sources:

• Sunday Observer (Sri Lanka)