Our History
How We Began, Where We’re Going
From a garage in Dhaka to a national model of compassionate care—Hospice Bangladesh has redefined dignity at life’s end.
How it all came to be…
History of Hospice Bangladesh, tracing its evolution from a humble initiative to a pioneering palliative care institution in the country:
Origins and Founding Vision (2013)
Hospice Bangladesh was founded on 18th December 2013 by Dr. Shahinur Kabir, a visionary in palliative care. It began as a deeply personal and passionate initiative, operating out of the garage of the founder’s residence in Dhaka. The initial focus was on providing home-based care for terminally ill patients, with limited doctor and nursing support available only in select areas of the city
Early Expansion and Formalization (2014–2016)
- 2014: The service expanded into a more structured home-based palliative care model, reaching more patients across Dhaka.
- 2015: The Hospice Palliative Care Foundation (HPCF) was established (originally named Aastha Foundation) as a charitable wing to support underprivileged patients. It aimed to provide free palliative care, especially for those suffering from cancer, geriatric conditions, and other life-limiting illnesses.
- 2016: Introduction of Tele-Hospice, a remote care model that allowed patients to receive consultations and monitoring from home, marking a significant step in digital health integration.
Technological and Structural Innovations (2018–2021)
- 2018: Implementation of a Remote Monitoring System, enabling real-time tracking of patient health metrics and improving care coordination.
- 2019: Establishment of a Palliative Ecosystem, integrating medical, emotional, and social support services.
- 2021: Launch of Palliative Inpatient Facilities, offering multidisciplinary care for patients who required more intensive support than could be provided at home.
Educational and Community Outreach (2022–Present)
- 2022: Creation of the Palliative Care Academy, aimed at training healthcare professionals and caregivers in palliative care principles and practices.
- The HPC Foundation also began a nursing aide training program for underprivileged girls, empowering them with skills for future employment and contributing to the healthcare workforce,
Core Philosophy and Impact
Hospice Bangladesh is built on values of compassion, professionalism, and holistic care. It emphasizes:
- Family-centered care
- Transparency and honesty
- Accessibility for all, especially the underserved
Its mission is to make quality healthcare a social good, ensuring that even the most vulnerable populations receive dignified and comprehensive care during life’s final stages.
Our Core Values
Holistic health and caregiving services where you are, now available for everyone
Family-Centered Care
Constantly Strive for Quality
Compassionate & Holistic Approach
Be Human, Be Honest
Work Smart
Always Be Available
Work With You
Be The Best
Transparent Financials
Always an Honest Answer
Future Goals: Expanding the Horizon of Compassionate Care
As Hospice Bangladesh looks ahead, its vision is bold and transformative: to make palliative care a universal right in Bangladesh and beyond. Building on over a decade of service, the organization is now setting its sights on strategic growth, innovation, and deeper community engagement.
1. Nationwide Expansion of Home Care Services
Hospice Bangladesh aims to extend its home-based palliative care model to all major cities and rural regions. By training local caregivers and establishing satellite teams, it hopes to ensure that no patient is left without support, regardless of geography.
2. Establishment of a Center of Excellence
Plans are underway to build a state-of-the-art palliative care hospital and training institute—a hub for clinical care, research, and education. This center will serve as a model for integrated palliative services in South Asia.
3. Strengthening Palliative Education
Through the Palliative Care Academy, the organization will expand its curriculum to include:
- Advanced clinical training for doctors and nurses
- Certification programs for caregivers and volunteers
- Public awareness campaigns to destigmatize end-of-life care
4. Digital Health and AI Integration
Hospice Bangladesh is exploring AI-powered remote monitoring, predictive analytics for symptom management, and mobile platforms to enhance patient engagement and caregiver coordination.
5. Advocacy and Policy Influence
The organization seeks to work with government and health institutions to embed palliative care into national health policy, ensuring sustainable funding and systemic support for terminally ill patients.
6. International Collaboration
Inspired by its success, Hospice Bangladesh is preparing to share its model globally, starting with partnerships in the Middle East and South Asia. The goal is to replicate its compassionate, cost-effective care system in regions with similar healthcare challenges.