Disaster and Dignity: Palliative Care Action Plan for Flooding in Garo Hills, Meghalaya

Palliative care is an essential component of healthcare systems, which aims to improve the quality of life for people facing life-threatening illnesses and their families through symptom control, psychosocial support, and dignity in care. In disaster situations where health systems are often overwhelmed and resources are strained, the integration of palliative care becomes crucial to address the needs of vulnerable populations. The Garo Hills region of Meghalaya, Northeast India, is geographically remote, vulnerable to annual flooding, and has limited access to health services. This paper explores the theoretical development of a palliative care action plan for the flood-prone region of Garo Hills, Meghalaya, conceptualized as a group exercise for the Fellowship of Palliative Care 2022 to address palliative care needs in a neglected setting. Strategies to obtain buy-in for a palliative care intervention are described based on three target groups: national and international support, neighboring regions, and the Garo community. Given the region’s vulnerability to climate-related disasters, the action plan emphasises community-based preparedness and the integration of palliative care into humanitarian response efforts. This conceptual framework is intended as a guide for managers, humanitarian actors, and policymakers, with potential adaptation to other disaster-prone regions, where palliative care is necessary. No disaster response is complete without attention to those who may not survive.