Palliative Cancer Treatment in Ethiopia – Find Cost, Best Doctors, Hospitals, Reviews, Book An Appointment
Palliative care refers to a treatment that aims to relieve the pain of severe health conditions and provide comfort. Palliative care is limited in Ethiopia, especially in rural regions where more than 78% of the population lives. Presently, Ethiopia’s Palliative care initiatives are focused on urban areas where patients are dependent on donors. Palliative care is an essential part of cancer. In Ethiopia, at least 10% of the budget is required to be spent on cancer care services. For Palliative care, there is a dedicated oncology center in Ethiopia with 4 beds at a dedicated hospital.
The best cancer hospital in Ethiopia provides the best medical oncologist, radiation oncologist, specialists, and nurses, forming the team of palliative care to provide treatment to patients suffering from serious illnesses such as Parkinson’s, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), kidney disease, Alzheimer’s, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), congestive heart failure and cancer. This palliative care treats symptoms of anxiety, loss of appetite, constipation, nausea, fatigue, and difficulty sleeping.
The government of Ethiopia is planning an innovative approach toward the improvement of palliative care, which includes training, Education, and research endeavors. The end of life palliative care has specialized physicians, nurses, and other clinical care. WHO recommended three foundation measures for developing palliative care Governmental policy, Drug availability, and Education. They are introducing Palliative care into the curriculum of all doctors’ and nurses’ education to broaden the palliative care coverage at the national level.
Palliative Cancer Treatment Cost in Ethiopia 2024
| Service | Average Cost in Ethiopian Birr (Br) |
| Total Treatment Cost | ETB 39,51,900 |
| Consultations | ETB 50,000 – ETB 2,50,000 |
| Nursing Care | ETB 25,000 – ETB 1,00,000 per visit per visit |
| Medications (including pain management) | Depend on specific medications and dosages |
| Medical Equipment (oxygen, mobility aids) | Depending on the equipment needed |
| Counseling/Psychosocial Support | ETB 50,000 – ETB 2,50,000 per session |
| Home Health Aide Services | ETB 25,000 – ETB 1,00,000per hour |
| Emergency Care | ETB 2,50,000 – ETB 10,00,000 per day (if applicable) |
| Respite Care (temporary relief for caregivers) | Depend on duration and provider |
| Transportation (if needed for appointments) | Depend on distance and mode of transportation |
| Home Modifications (if necessary for patient care) | Depending on the modifications needed |
| Accommodation paid per day | ETB 1,33,850 |
| Food During Palliative Care | ETB 86,500 |
Palliative Cancer Treatment Out-Of-Pocket Expenditure Per Day Per Patient
The patient has to pay out-of-pocket expenses that include diagnosis, medications, injections, consumables, and administration of injections, transportation, accommodation, and food, during palliative care. The total palliative care cost is ETB 39,51,900 including all services. This cost will change depending on the severity of the patient, needing emergency care, travel to other hospitals, or needing specialized oncologist consultation.
Who Qualifies For Palliative Care?
Anyone suffering from a serious illness such as heart failure, cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Parkinson’s disease, and dementia.
Who offers Palliative Care in Ethiopia?
Palliative care is provided by medical providers and other specialists who help patients and their family to deal with the patient’s health condition. They also help to lower the stress of serious illness. The palliative care team includes doctors, nurses, nutritionists, social workers, financial advisors, and spiritual advisors.
Where is Palliative Care Available in Ethiopia?
As Ethiopia has limited facilities, you can find palliative care available depending on the resources in a variety of locations including homes, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, outpatient clinics, and hospitals.
Palliative Care for Cancer Patients in Ethiopia?
Prostate Cancer Palliative Care
Some people experience chronic pain during their last stage of cancer because cancer presses on their nerves or makes weak bones. In the last days of prostate cancer, the patient feels extreme symptoms of pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, and loss of appetite. Many patients experience frequent urination urges, burning sensation, and difficulty starting or stopping. These symptoms can be reduced with palliative care.
Palliative Treatment for Lung Cancer in Ethiopia
Lung cancer starts when cells in the lung change and grow uncontrollably in the form of lesions, tumors, or nodules. The cancerous tumor can grow anywhere in the lung. A tumor can be cancerous or benign; it might spread in blood or float away in the lymph and lung tissue. Lung cancer palliative care is offered by specialists that help to lower symptoms like pain and anxiety and provide relaxation and massage.
Pancreatic Cancer Palliative Care in Ethiopia
Pancreas cancer is more common in Ethiopians as they consume tobacco. This cancer affects both males and females. Pancreatic cancer is more complex than other cancers. It spread and grew back. Palliative care is recommended after cancer treatments. Palliative treatment and care help to relieve the symptoms of cancer, which includes pain medicine, celiac block, nausea medicine, radiation therapy, appetite stimulants, nutritional supplements, and Biliary enteric bypass.
Palliative Care for Liver Cancer
Around 11% of people in Ethiopia experience liver cancer due to viral hepatitis, post hepatic and post necrotic, hepatocellular carcinoma, and mixed cirrhosis. Chronic liver disease is the 7th leading cause of death. Liver cancer mostly affects middle-aged men who are alcohol consumers and have hepatitis B virus infection. Palliative Care for Liver Cancer involves in-depth discussion about the symptoms and treatment. The patient will work with a specialized liver care team to minimize liver cancer symptoms and improve quality of life.
Esophageal Cancer Palliative Care
Esophageal cancer occurs due to cancerous cell growth in the esophagus. Heavy alcohol use and smoking are the increased risk of esophageal cancer. The patient may experience difficulty swallowing and pain. Esophageal cancer begins with imaging tests to detect the problem. The expert doctor will use a thin, flexible tube attached to the camera passed down the throat to check the esophagus and collect sample tissue for lab testing. Palliative care can help to reduce the symptoms and pain of esophageal cancer; it can be available for any stage of cancer.
Palliative Cancer Treatment Success Rate
Palliative cancer care does not cure the cancer condition, but it helps to improve the comfort level of a patient. The symptoms of pain and discomfort will be reduced with pain medications. The palliative cancer treatment success rate depends on several factors, including the overall health of a patient, the type of cancer, the stage of cancer, and specific treatment goals. In some cases, palliative care can increase the patient’s life expectancy and provide comfort.
Does Palliative Cancer Treatment Covered by Insurance?
Palliative cancer care is not covered by insurance and patients have to pay it from pocket. If the Ethiopian citizen taking palliative care overseas like India, the patient’s family needs to check for cancer treatment insurance plans if they offer coverage. There are also some NGOs helping people during Palliative care. That will not cover the full cost but can help with some coverage. Please contact Africa Infoline for more details.
Palliative Care Cancer Life Expectancy
The life expectancy of a cancer patient depends on the stage of cancer and how the patient’s health responds to palliative care. Early cancer detection can get help from the main treatments and palliative care at any age. Palliative care for the advanced cancer stage can also help if the patient’s immune system responds better. Few patients with kidney diseases, cancers, or multiple complications of immune system rejection, water retention, infections on the spot of IV, and food rejection will lead to death in a maximum of 3 months. If a patient’s health is good and fighting cancer, then palliative care can improve symptoms and there are chances of extending life expectancy and quality.
Palliative Cancer Treatment in Ethiopia Reviews 2024
- Ethiopia does not have enough access to palliative care to fulfill the needs of patient and their families.
- Cancer patients in Ethiopia face challenges like delays in seeking medical care, lack of disease awareness, discontinuation of treatment due to financial problems, and lack of follow-up by considering cancer as an end of life.
- Ethiopia also faces provider-related challenges due to the limited availability of health professionals and palliative care awareness programs.
- The health system offers limited availability of medications and limited chemotherapy and radiotherapy services.
- Furthermore, Ethiopia has access to an advanced healthcare system; if rural people become aware and consider treatments, they can save lives and treat cancer.
Book Appointment for Palliative Therapy for Cancer in Ethiopia
Please contact Africa Infoline experts for guidance about scheduling an appointment at the best oncology center in Ethiopia. Along with cancer treatment in Ethiopia, patients will get complete guidance about palliative therapy for cancer, overseas palliative care, and palliative care in India. Living with serious diseases can toll on a patient’s and his family’s mind and body and affect overall life aspects. Speak with Oncology experts and find out about available help and support.
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