Article co-authored by Dr. Ishita Gandhi published in Journal of Cancer Policy

This scoping review evaluates a range of strategies aimed at improving access to palliative care in rural India and raising awareness of serious, life-limiting conditions. Drawing on recent studies and policy analyses, the authors emphasize the critical need for educational programs targeting medical trainees, healthcare workers, and local communities. They advocate for the integration of palliative services into primary care frameworks—often through hub-and-spoke or mobile outreach models—to bridge the rural–urban care divide. Additionally, the review highlights the vital role of grassroots community engagement and empowerment in identifying service gaps and fostering culturally sensitive delivery models.Finally, it calls for policy reforms and investment to expand rural palliative infrastructure, particularly in underserved regions where care is fragmented and centralized.