Cipla Foundation and CanSupport Launch Maharashtra’s Largest Palliative HomeCare Service in Pune

Pune, 2025: Cipla Foundation, in partnership with CanSupport, a WHO-recognised NGO, has launched comprehensive free-of-charge palliative home care services in Pune, marking a significant milestone in the journey to expand access to quality palliative care in India. With nine dedicated Home Care Teams, the initiative will provide supportive care to more than 900 cancer patients, making it the largest home-based palliative care service in Maharashtra. This initiative will cover five talukas in Pune District – Pune City, Haweli, Khed, Bhor, and Purandar. CanSupport is a humanitarian organisation that has been providing home-based palliative care to cancer patients for more than 28 years without any charges. The services will primarily support patients with advanced cancer, complex symptoms, and/or mobility issues, and patients discharged from Cipla Palliative Care and Training Centre in Pune (CPC) seeking continued care at home. While most patients are oncology cases, approximately 10% have non-oncological conditions like respiratory or
neurological illnesses. Built on CanSupport’s interdisciplinary model, the services provide
medical, emotional, and psychosocial care at no cost. The services offer complete care,
including pain management, wound care, physiotherapy, counselling, and assistive
equipment such as wheelchairs, water beds, and walkers. The homecare teams support
families in making informed decisions, offer caregiving strategies, and provide the
necessary resources to navigate this challenging journey with dignity. In addition, the outpatient Pain and Palliative Care Clinic extends ongoing support to families, ensuring
holistic care beyond home visits.Commenting on the launch of this milestone initiative, Mr. Anurag Mishra, Head of Cipla Foundation, said, “This initiative reflects Cipla Foundation’s commitment to holistic patient care, particularly for those facing chronic illnesses. By bringing palliative care directly to
patients’ homes, we aim to reduce suffering, preserve dignity, and support families
through their difficult times. It reaffirms Cipla’s dedication to making care accessible
where it is needed most, so that no patient suffers in pain.”
Dr Ambika Rajvanshi, CEO, CanSupport, said,
“This collaboration with Cipla Foundation is
a pivotal step in expanding access to home-based palliative care. Our model centres
on both the medical and emotional needs of patients and families, offering a comprehensive approach that prioritises dignity and comfort. We are proud to bring our
WHO-recognised approach to Pune and set the stage for a nationwide movement
focused on compassionate palliative care.”
CanSupport’s WHO-recognised model employs a multidisciplinary approach with trained
doctors, nurses, counsellors, and social workers. The Pune program aims to serve as a
replicable model for other cities, aligning with Cipla’s broader mission to expand access
to palliative care across India.