Palliative care gives relief to patients and their families

Hospice is a concept, not a particular place or facility. Although medical science cannot control the illness anymore and prolong life, comfort can always be provided effectively. Photo: TNS

The word “palliate” means “to make the effects of something, such as an illness, less painful, harmful, or harsh”.

Palliative care began with the story of hospice, which is derived from hospitium, a Latin word meaning hospitality. Hospices were resting places for travellers and pilgrims in the Middle Ages in Europe.