Sarah Luke 

Global Health Studies, Microbiology
Destination: India
Project Title: Analysis of the Palliative Care Models of Non-governmental Organizations in India

Palliative care provision is a growing issue in India. A majority of the Indian population with chronic, terminal, or life-limiting diseases live in a persistent state of pain and suffering.  Palliative care is a specialized form of medicine focusing on symptom alleviation for those with serious illnesses.  Although there is much academic literature regarding inequalities in palliative care access, stemming from a lack of health infrastructure and a national-level policy, more information is necessary on the organizations that have arisen to combat these disparities.  In particular, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) play an essential role in providing palliative care to many Indians.  I am seeking a Stanley Undergraduate Award for International Research to examine and record the innovative palliative care models of NGOs located in India.  I have chosen India as the location of this research because of my experience as an intern with the Swami Vivekananda Youth Movements (SVYM) palliative care program in the summer of 2020.  Their innovative palliative care model sparked a curiosity about how other NGOs deliver care to their communities.  Ideally, I will examine three NGOs in this study, including SVYM. Research will be conducted from June 27th - August 8th and NGOs will be contacted prior to the start date to ensure participants.  Remote interviews via video conferencing software and email correspondence with staff from each NGOs palliative care program will be the main mode for data collection.  The purpose of this study is to document and analyze the models of palliative care of NGOs in India. 

Read Sarah's final report here.