Clinical & Community Services
Holistic, evidence-based palliative care addressing physical, psychological, social, and spiritual well-being for terminal patients, active treatment recipients, and families.
Our Services & Care Models
Explore the Institute of Palliative Medicine's holistic care ecosystem. Select any service to explore detailed clinical frameworks, evidence-based studies, care pathways, and support options.
Hospice / Inpatient Care
Dedicated Institutional Support for Advanced & Terminal Illnesses
Comprehensive inpatient hospice care providing peaceful respite and terminal care with round-the-clock medical attention, free of charge.
- 21 total beds capacity (10 ward beds + 11 private AC rooms)
- Attached private bathrooms in all individual AC rooms
- Round-the-clock palliative nursing & physician oversight
Home-Based Palliative Care
Professional Support at Home Without Unnecessary Hospitalization
Central component of our philosophy: extending clinical assessment, medication management, and nursing directly into patients' homes.
- Continuous symptom & pain assessment at home
- Skilled nursing & advanced wound management
- Caregiver training & medication supervision
Community-Based Palliative Model
Decentralized Care Mobilizing Local Volunteers & Regional Networks
Empowering families, community volunteers, religious leaders, and primary health workers so palliative care is accessible everywhere.
- Community volunteer training & grassroots mobilization
- Expansion into Northern (2015), North Central & Western Provinces (2016)
- Interfaith collaboration with religious leaders
Multidisciplinary Care Team
Physicians, Nurses, Counsellors & Volunteers Working in Harmony
Recognizing that no single profession can address serious illness alone, our integrated team unites physicians, nurses, counsellors, and volunteers.
- Physicians, palliative nurses, and certified counsellors
- Structured 8-pillar continuum of compassionate care
- Individualized interdisciplinary care planning
Family and Caregiver Support
Empowering Families as Invaluable Care Partners
Strengthening the family's capability to care for a seriously ill loved one at home through practical training, counseling, and guidance.
- In-depth education about the illness & trajectory
- Practical hands-on training in basic caregiving
- Medication scheduling & symptom recognition guidance
Research and Academic Contribution
Generating Local Clinical Evidence to Guide National Palliative Policy
Pioneering research including our peer-reviewed 2026 retrospective study of 265 hospice admissions to drive Sri Lanka's healthcare policies.
- 2026 Peer-reviewed retrospective study of 265 admissions
- Analysis of demographics, diagnoses (72% cancer), & referral pathways
- 125-capacity auditorium for clinical training & seminars
Transit Home for Cancer Patients
Respite Housing for Patients Undergoing Active Chemo & Radiotherapy
Comfortable transit accommodation eliminating travel stress for cancer patients receiving active treatments at regional oncology centers.
- Dedicated accommodation for active treatment patients
- Nutritious meals & quiet recovery atmosphere
- Near regional hospital & oncology centers
Evidence-Based Clinical Foundation
Our service model is backed by peer-reviewed retrospective clinical studies conducted directly at the Institute, providing vital local data to inform Sri Lanka's national palliative care policy.
Published Retrospective Study
265 Admissions Examined (2018–2024)“Clinical and Sociodemographic Profile of Hospice Patients in Southern Sri Lanka: Retrospective Data” analyzed inpatient admissions over a substantial period, demonstrating our regional reach and patient needs.
Early Referral Recommendation
Key Study Conclusion & StrategyThe study authors concluded that late referral remains a major challenge in palliative medicine. Early referral dramatically improves quality of life, pain management, and emotional peace for patients and families.
- Strengthening Community-Based Palliative Care: Bringing care closer to patients rather than requiring repeated travel.
- Medical Practitioner Awareness: Educating regional physicians to integrate palliative care earlier during treatment.
- National Policy Planning: Guiding Sri Lanka's healthcare authorities with evidence-driven clinical protocols.
Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers regarding admissions, home-based services, caregiver support, and costs.
Who is eligible for admission to IPM Matara Hospice?
Patients requiring institutional palliative care, respite support, or terminal end-of-life care for advanced illnesses (including cancer and other progressive conditions). We also host cancer patients undergoing active radiotherapy or chemotherapy needing transit accommodation. Care is 100% free of charge.
How can we request Home-Based Palliative Care?
You can call our 24/7 dedicated helpline at 041 222 6766 / 076 878 7484 or submit a request through our Contact Form. Our mobile clinical nursing team will schedule an assessment visit to your home or connect with your local peripheral clinic.
What support is provided for family members and caregivers?
We treat the family as an essential care partner. We provide comprehensive hands-on training in patient caregiving, medication schedules, early symptom recognition, psychological counseling, preparation for end-of-life, and ongoing bereavement follow-up.
Are IPM services truly 100% free of charge?
Yes. All inpatient hospice beds, private AC rooms, meals, doctor consultations, nursing care, and home visits are provided entirely free of charge to all patients, regardless of financial means, race, or religion.