The Association of Palliative Care Centres (APCC) is calling for greater education among both healthcare professionals and the public on the importance of palliative care.
The APCC spokesperson, Tersia Burger, says their 91 care centers nationally served over 38,000 patients last year alone during Hospice Week.
“In South Africa, we have significant healthcare challenges such as high rates of HIV/AIDS, cancer, and other chronic illnesses that make the need for palliative care dire. Care is mostly provided by non-profit organizations. We receive little if any funding from the government, and it’s a constant battle to keep our doors open and provide for the needs of the seriously ill.”
