Cochin · Kerala · India
An Initiative of IMA Cochin
Compassionate Care, at Home.
A year spent inside other people's homes, restoring dignity and comfort to those living with serious illness, across Ernakulam.
12,224Home visits
Cochin · Kerala · India
A year spent inside other people's homes, restoring dignity and comfort to those living with serious illness, across Ernakulam.
A note before you begin
This report is a record of a year spent inside other people's homes - a year of bedside visits, night calls, quiet conversations, and the slow, steady work of restoring dignity to people living with serious illness.
Across 2025, Arike Home Care made 12,224 home visits, answered 33,132 calls, drove 69,127 kilometres on electric wheels, and trained 50 social-work interns and 12 international nursing professionals. We did this as a free-care service - open to every household, regardless of means.
The pages that follow are organised around five questions: What did we do? Who did it reach? Who made it possible? What did we learn? And - most importantly - what comes next?
- The Arike Team
The year in numbers
Contents
I · Foundations
As we look back on the year gone by, it is both humbling and encouraging to witness how Arike Care has continued to grow - not just as an organisation, but as a compassionate movement rooted in community care.
Every step we have taken this year has reaffirmed our belief that compassionate support, when delivered with dignity and respect, can profoundly transform lives. From our early beginnings as a charitable trust to becoming a recognised and compliant organisation, our journey has been shaped by a clear purpose: to ensure that individuals facing serious illness are never left alone - medically, emotionally, or socially.
Over the past year, we have strengthened our service delivery models, ensuring that care reaches people where it matters most - their homes. Our multidisciplinary team has worked tirelessly to provide timely medical guidance, continuous home-based support, and dependable emergency response, even in the most challenging circumstances. By combining professional expertise with human connection, we strive to ease suffering while honouring each person's right to comfort, familiarity, and choice during vulnerable moments.
Community participation has been one of our greatest strengths this year. Through neighbourhood engagement and volunteer-led initiatives, we have seen how shared responsibility can bridge gaps in healthcare access. At the same time, the thoughtful use of digital tools has helped us streamline coordination, improve response times, and remain accessible to those who need us most.
None of this would be possible without the dedication of our staff, volunteers, donors, well-wishers, and institutional partners. Your trust and continued belief in our mission fuel our determination to do more and do better.
As we step into the coming year, we remain committed to expanding our reach, deepening the quality of care we provide, and standing firmly by those who depend on us. Together, we will continue to uphold compassion as the core of healthcare.
With sincere appreciation,
Dr. Junaid Rahman
Chairman, Arike Care
I · Foundations
It is with a deep sense of responsibility and fulfilment that I extend my greetings to all those who stand with Arike as we look back on a year marked by service, commitment, and compassionate action.
Arike, an initiative of IMA Cochin, has continued to demonstrate the true essence of community-based palliative care - care that prioritises dignity, comfort, and human connection alongside medical support. Over the past year, the organisation has reached individuals and families navigating some of the most vulnerable phases of life, ensuring that no one is left unsupported during moments of profound need.
As President of the Indian Medical Association, Cochin, I take pride in the association's continued support to society through Arike. This reflects our belief that healthcare must extend beyond treatment to include empathy, ethical responsibility, and community engagement. Arike's work stands as a meaningful example of how professional medical standards and compassionate care can come together to create lasting impact.
I have closely witnessed the dedication of our team, volunteers, and supporters. Their consistent efforts - often carried out quietly and without recognition - have strengthened our ability to provide timely, patient-centred, and holistic care. Their commitment remains the backbone of everything we do.
The progress achieved this year is a collective accomplishment, made possible through trust, collaboration, and shared values. As we move forward, our focus remains on strengthening services, expanding outreach, and advocating for palliative care as an essential and accessible component of healthcare for all.
As you read through this Annual Report, I hope you find inspiration in the stories of resilience, compassion, and solidarity that define Arike's work. Let us continue this journey together, guided by care, conscience, and community.
With sincere appreciation,
Dr. Athul Joseph Manuel
President, IMA Cochin · Secretary, Arike Care
About Us
Arike Home Care is a community-rooted, professionally aligned palliative care initiative committed to restoring dignity, comfort, and quality of life for individuals experiencing health-related suffering. It delivers comprehensive, home-based care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, ensuring uninterrupted access to medical, nursing, psychosocial, and supportive services within the familiarity of patients' homes.
Services are provided irrespective of a patient's financial status. By integrating healthcare professionals, social workers, community volunteers and technology-enabled systems, Arike addresses physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs, reducing avoidable hospitalisation and demonstrating that compassionate, community-based care can be both clinically effective and socially sustainable.
Vision & Mission
A world where the dignity of a serious-health sufferer is restored through personalised home-based palliative care for all strata of society, irrespective of socioeconomic status.
Arike offers easily accessible, affordable, and equitable tailor-made solutions for the healthcare needs of the public.
I · Foundations
Ethical leadership forms the foundation of Arike Care. The organisation is guided by experienced medical professionals who bring clinical expertise, administrative insight, and a deep commitment to compassionate, community-oriented healthcare.
Dr. Junaid Rahman
Chairman, Arike Care · Medical Superintendent, Sudheendra Hospital · Former District Medical Officer
Dr. Mathews Numpeli
Vice Chairman · State Coordinator, Palliative Care · Former DPM, National Health Mission
Dr. Jacob Abraham
Consultant Cardiac Anesthetist, Lisie Hospital · Immediate Past President, IMA
Dr. Haneesh Meerasa
ENT Surgeon, Taluk Hospital, Palluruthy · Past President, IMA Cochin
Dr. Annie P. G.
Former Medical Superintendent, General Hospital Ernakulam · Palliative Care Consultant
Dr. Athul Joseph Manuel
President, IMA Cochin · Consultant, Open Healthcare Network · Palliative Medical Officer
Dr. George Tukalan
CEO, Arike Daycare Nurses · Vice President, IMA Cochin
Dr. Sachin Suresh
Secretary, IMA Cochin · ENT Consultant, Sudheendra Medical Mission Hospital
Dr. Geetha Vijayaraghavan
Senior Palliative Care Consultant, Arike Care · Former Senior Consultant, Department of Palliative Care, General Hospital Ernakulam
Part Two
Kerala has the highest proportion of senior citizens in India - and the highest out-of-pocket health expenditure. Long lives have produced new, complex needs.
Context
Kerala is widely recognised as a model state for its social development - high literacy, long life expectancy, and a strong public health system. Those very successes have created new and complex challenges.
Kerala faces a rapid demographic shift - declining fertility, rising longevity, and outmigration of younger adults. By 2030, it is projected to have 35 persons aged over 60 for every 100 working-age adults. Already, 16.5% of the population are senior citizens, the highest share in India.
Per the National Sample Survey, 54% of elderly individuals in Kerala live with one or more chronic diseases - rarely curative conditions involving prolonged decline, dependence, persistent symptoms, and psychological distress.
Nearly 55 million Indians have been pushed below the poverty line by healthcare costs. In 2022-23, Kerala had the highest share of households spending over 25% of expenditure on health, and 68% of health spending is out-of-pocket - the highest in India.
Migration-driven family structures have produced widespread isolation among the elderly. Caregivers - often elderly spouses or women - bear the brunt of care, leading to burnout and financial hardship.
Projected dependency ratio and senior population share for Kerala.
The unmet need · Kerala's limitations
Most services - government and non-government - operate only during 10am-4pm working hours.
Serious health-related suffering
Although over 85% of deaths in India occur following prolonged illness, less than 2% of the population has access to structured pain relief and palliative care.
Part Three
Accessible. Continuous. Community-owned. Professionally delivered. Financially sustainable.
The Arike Model
A major gap in conventional palliative care systems is the lack of support beyond regular working hours. Illness and distress are unpredictable, often leading families to unnecessary hospital admissions during emergencies.
Arike addresses this through a 24/7 home-based palliative care system coordinated through a central control room. Patients and caregivers can access medical guidance, nursing support, telemedicine, and emergency interventions at any time - including nights, weekends, and public holidays. This approach enables patients to remain at home, surrounded by familiar environments and loved ones, while still receiving professional care.
Arike ensures that services remain accessible to all, irrespective of financial background. Families who are financially stable may voluntarily contribute towards service costs. Patients unable to afford care are supported through CSR funding, community donations, and institutional partnerships.
This system promotes dignity, shared responsibility, and sustainability - transforming beneficiaries into stakeholders while ensuring that no patient is denied care due to financial limitations.
A shared responsibility · community ownership
Patients, families, volunteers and the multidisciplinary care team, woven together.
Active support from residential associations under EDRAAC and CREDAI, alongside trained community volunteers.
Multidisciplinary & technology-enabled
This integrated approach ensures that physical symptoms, psychological distress, social challenges, and spiritual concerns are addressed in a coordinated, compassionate manner.
To ensure efficiency, accountability, and continuity, Arike integrates technology into every layer of service delivery. Digital systems support:
Technology enables Arike to scale responsibly, reduce response times, and maintain high standards of care - without compromising the human connection that lies at the heart of palliative care.
Six years, in brief
Arike commenced services in August with the support of Cochin IMA. Began operations from a single room, supporting 98 families through home-based palliative care.
Obtained CSR1 registration and 80G certification, enabling structured funding. Bhima Jewels became the first CSR partner. Micro-donations enabled expansion into 24/7 care. KeyValue Solutions supported the transition from a single room to a rented facility.
Cochin IMA renewed institutional support. Structured social welfare team formed. Supported families grew to 532. Synthite (CVJ Foundation) and Buimerc India Foundation began extending CSR support.
Introduced patient-centred healthcare financing. CSR funds supported electric scooters and cars. BPCL donated an Eco-Van. MEHAC integration enabled psychiatric services. Took over Udbodh Dementia Daycare at Pachalam. With Round Table India, 80 NeoMotion wheelchairs distributed. 813 families benefited.
Telemedicine launched with Mantle Solutions. Arike Training Centre started: 120-day Certificate Course in Palliative Care Nursing, monthly volunteer training, 10-day foundation course. Advanced nursing workshop with St. Andrews Hospice, UK. Integrated CARE app, Voxbay IVR, and Zoho One for operational management. Sudheendra began planning an Intensive Supportive Care Unit.
Strengthened community-owned palliative care through partnerships with EDRAAC and CREDAI Kochi. Began mentoring residential associations to establish neighbourhood palliative care systems. Expanded the Koode volunteering system through structured community training.
Launched UNARV - a large-scale youth mobilisation initiative across 19 colleges in Ernakulam and nearby regions, including arts & science colleges, autonomous institutions, and medical, law and professional colleges.
Continued as a technical and mentoring support system for emerging community palliative care units.
Part III · Impact
In 2025, Arike further expanded its reach and strengthened its community-based care model, providing holistic support to 4,214 patients and families across Ernakulam district.
All figures cover the reporting period January-December 2025, Ernakulam district.
III · Impact
In 2025, ARIKE generated a total income of ₹2.52 crore, including ₹1.67 crore in CSR contributions, ₹25 lakh received from IAP, Kerala Branch for renovation for Arike operations donated by IAP, Cochin, ₹40.55 lakh from beneficiary contributions, ₹15.18 lakh through one-time donations, and ₹4.51 lakh through recurring online donations.
A scalable model for compassionate end-of-life care
With ₹2.52 crore, Arike delivered comprehensive home-based palliative care across Ernakulam in 2025 - at a fraction of the cost of hospital care.
Beyond direct savings, families avoid travel, food and lodging, lost caregiver income, and long-term debt - so the true benefit is far greater.
For terminally ill patients, admission places a severe financial burden on families. Average private-hospital expenses run:
By caring for patients at home, Arike spares families these daily costs - the basis for the conservative estimate alongside.
To cover a district like Ernakulam
A cost-effective model, scalable across the district.
III · Impact
For patients who are elderly, bed-bound, chronically ill, or approaching end of life, repeated hospital visits are physically exhausting, emotionally distressing, and financially burdensome.
Arike's doctor-led home care model was developed to respond to these realities - ensuring that medical decision-making, symptom control, and clinical guidance are available where patients live, rather than being confined to institutional settings.
Doctors also act as clinical coordinators, ensuring continuity between home-based care, hospital services, and community resources when escalation or referral is required.
III · Impact
Nursing care is the operational core of Arike's clinical services - ensuring continuity, daily monitoring, and hands-on clinical support for patients living with serious health-related suffering.
III · Impact
Arike's physiotherapy services focus on enabling comfort, mobility, and functional independence for as long as possible within the home setting.
III · Impact
A high volume of 33,132 patient calls were managed during the year - reflecting the critical role of round-the-clock connectivity in palliative care delivery.
| Category | Day | Night | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| All calls | 17,267 | 15,865 | 33,132 |
| Service | Day | Night | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Doctors' tele-consultation | 5,253 | 1,992 | 7,245 |
| Nurses' tele-consultation | 3,335 | 682 | 4,017 |
| Total tele-consultations | 8,588 | 2,674 | 11,262 |
Night-time communication demand remained consistently high, highlighting the importance of round-the-clock responsiveness in managing pain crises, symptom escalation, and caregiver distress. Dedicated teleconsultation services enabled timely clinical decision-making and reduced unnecessary hospital visits.
Arike also coordinated telemedicine support with external partners - including government health systems and NGOs - strengthening integrated care delivery: 44 cases with government primary teams, 56 with secondary care, and 40 NGO-supported interactions.
III · Impact
For patients with serious health-related suffering, the absence of after-hours support can lead to panic, unmanaged symptoms, and avoidable hospital admissions.
Arike's night care services are delivered through a coordinated model involving the control room, on-call doctors, and nursing staff.
III · Impact
Social workers at Arike function as key facilitators of holistic care - bridging medical services, family systems, community resources, and welfare mechanisms.
Each patient undergoes a structured psychosocial assessment to identify emotional distress, caregiver strain, financial vulnerability, social isolation, and mental health needs. Support includes:
Support does not end with the death of a patient. Arike recognises bereavement as a critical phase requiring structured emotional care.
Many patients come from economically vulnerable backgrounds, where illness exacerbates poverty and insecurity. Social workers actively facilitate access to government welfare schemes and community support.
Arike runs a Food Kit Distribution Programme to support families lacking resources - providing essential groceries and nutritional support, sourced, packed, and delivered by volunteers and community partners.
Annual summary
| Activity | 2025 Total | Impact insight |
|---|---|---|
| Social work visits | 254 | Continuous community-level case management |
| Volunteers in home care | 109 | Strengthened community participation in care |
| Interns in home care | 62 | Capacity building of future healthcare workforce |
| Bereavement support | 184 | Structured grief and family support |
| Psychiatric home care | 71 | Mental health integrated with palliative care |
| Inmates supported | 112 | Outreach to vulnerable institutional populations |
| Counselling sessions | 42 | Psychosocial and emotional support |
| Dementia screening | 19 | Early identification and caregiver support |
| "Let's Talk" sessions | 222 | Continuous awareness and reflection platform |
| NGO / CBO / palliative visits | 107 | Strong inter-organisational collaboration |
| Awareness & field activities | 114 | Wide community sensitisation |
A note on the smallest readers
Recognising that illness in the family often disrupts a child's education, Nalla Padam provides essential school kits - bags, notebooks, and basic learning materials - to children from families receiving palliative care services.
By reducing the financial burden on families already facing medical and economic challenges, the initiative helps children continue their education with dignity, and serves as an emotional reminder that their dreams matter, even in difficult circumstances.
In 2025, 109 active community volunteers were engaged, with social workers mobilising, training, and coordinating their efforts - strengthening community-based support systems and significantly reducing isolation among patients and families.
Wheels on Wheels
Supported by the Muthoot Group, the Wheels on Wheels initiative covered 4,442 km in 2025 - carrying patients to hospitals, weddings, exams, religious gatherings, and home visits. For wheelchair-bound and bedridden families, it was the difference between absence and presence.
Wheels on Wheels
Despite rising transportation costs, the programme remained a lifeline for many families - preventing severe financial burden while ensuring compassionate, dignified mobility for patients in need. Operational cost for the year was approximately ₹90,770.
| Month | Trips | Total km | Inside EKM | Outside EKM | Petrol ₹ | Driver ₹ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 2025 | 3 | 353 | 3 | 0 | 4,500 | 3,150 |
| Feb 2025 | 2 | 36 | 2 | 0 | 400 | 1,350 |
| Mar 2025 | 1 | 27 | 1 | 0 | 350 | 800 |
| Apr 2025 | 6 | 150 | 16 | 0 | 4,100 | 3,000 |
| May 2025 | 6 | 173 | 5 | 0 | 2,000 | 3,000 |
| Jun 2025 | 7 | 586 | 3 | 4 | 5,950 | 5,350 |
| Jul 2025 | 10 | 396 | 10 | 0 | 3,900 | 6,200 |
| Aug 2025 | 15 | 943 | 14 | 1 | 7,400 | 8,250 |
| Sep 2025 | 16 | 614 | 16 | 0 | 8,000 | 6,880 |
| Oct 2025 | 13 | 486 | 7 | 2 | 3,610 | 4,230 |
| Nov 2025 | 12 | 485 | 10 | 2 | 5,000 | 3,100 |
| Dec 2025 | 6 | 193 | 5 | 0 | 2,200 | 3,050 |
| Total | 97 | 4,442 | 92 | 9 | 47,410 | 48,360 |
Part Four
Onam sadyas, birthday cakes, college workshops, hospital visits, a beach at sunset - 2025, as it actually happened.
Events 2025
In 2025, Arike conducted 114 awareness programmes across community and institutional settings - engaging students, residential communities, healthcare professionals, corporates, clubs, and associations.
| Category | Programmes |
|---|---|
| Residential areas | 28 |
| Colleges | 14 |
| Schools | 5 |
| Hospitals | 6 |
| Professional bodies | 12 |
| Corporate / offices | 7 |
| Clubs / NGOs | 8 |
| Public events | 9 |
| Special forums | 5 |
| Online | 2 |
| Others (conferences, stalls, anganwadis) | 18 |
| Total | 114 |
Events 2025
A heartfelt joint initiative of ESIP (Ernakulam Students Initiatives in Palliative Care) and Arike. Students visit patients in their homes to celebrate their birthdays - offering more than a cake: companionship, emotional support, and a sense of belonging to those often isolated by illness.
Glimpses from Janm birthday celebrations.
Events 2025
Through the collaborative efforts of student volunteers from Rajagiri College of Applied Science & Management and ESIP, a one-day trip named 'Tata Povam' was organised to Vallarpadam Church and Puthuvypu Beach for a sunset viewing - fulfilling a long-cherished wish of patients.
An Onam celebration at Rajagiri Centre for Business Studies, in collaboration with Arike, brought together patients, families, and volunteers for a day of renewed joy and community belonging - pookkalam making, games, cultural performances by BUDS School children, and a traditional Onam sadya where students and patients dined as one family.
On 13th September, the Freedom on Wheels Paraplegia Society - in collaboration with Thanal Palliative Care and Arike - organised ThanalOnam 2025, an Onam celebration for people with paraplegia, fostering joy, inclusion, and togetherness.
Arike participated in Kuttikootam, organised by the Mobility in Dystrophy (MIND) Trust on 28 May 2025 - joining a wider movement for inclusion of children with neuromuscular disabilities.
UNARV · 2025
A three-day youth mobilisation workshop - Day 1 foundation, Day 2 field visits, Day 3 reflective feedback - building a compassionate volunteer network for community-based palliative care.
Conducted across arts & science colleges, autonomous institutions, and medical, law and professional colleges in Ernakulam and nearby regions.
UNARV - in the field
Events 2025
Arike hosted 'Chitrolsavam' at Don Bosco School, where home-bound patients enjoyed a special film screening and a day of refreshing companionship. Supported by student volunteers, the event allowed elderly participants to rediscover the joy of cinema and share nostalgic memories outside their usual routines.
Arike received a memento in recognition of its activity during the Ernakulam district NGO-CBO meet held at Aluva in October 2025.
Training & capacity building
Arike contributes to skill development and knowledge enhancement for volunteers, healthcare professionals, NGO/CBO staff, and interns - strengthening the quality of palliative care services across institutions.
Arike organised a Foundation Course in Palliative Care for doctors as part of its efforts to strengthen clinical competencies in managing life-limiting illnesses - focusing on pain and symptom management, communication skills, ethical decision-making, and end-of-life care.
The Certificate Course in Community Palliative Nursing (CCCPN) enhanced specialised nursing skills - symptom management, care for bedridden patients, communication with families, and supportive care in home settings. The programme plays a vital role in strengthening the nursing workforce and ensuring continuity of care.
Arike conducted specialised ostomy care training for nurses from various institutions, focusing on advanced clinical management and stoma bag application. This initiative empowers nursing professionals with the skills needed to provide compassionate, high-quality rehabilitative care.
Arike regularly conducts the VCPC to equip community members with the essential skills and empathy needed to support those in need. Throughout 2025, we organised 3 VCPCs - combining theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience through home visits.
Training · in practice
Recognition
Arike celebrates significant national achievements by its core team - reflecting the organisation's commitment to high standards of care.
Learning & exchange
In 2025, Arike provided intensive training and field exposure to 50 social work students from institutions across India - and welcomed 12 international nursing professionals for specialised palliative training, bridging academic theory with compassionate bedside practice.
V · Operations
Arike operates a dedicated fleet of electric vehicles to ensure that distance never stands in the way of compassionate care. Daily home visits by doctors, nurses, and volunteers reach the bedridden directly - efficiently, and with environmental responsibility.
Scooters · 4 units
32,268 km covered. Petrol cost equivalent ₹84,704; EV operating cost ₹13,713 - 83% fuel cost savings.
Cars · 5 units
19,751 km covered. Petrol cost equivalent ₹1,38,257; EV operating cost ₹40,084 - 71% fuel cost savings.
Significant reductions in recurring transport expenditure have enabled better allocation of CSR and care funds toward patient services. Reliable vehicle operations ensure timely reach of home care teams - especially for emergency and night care.
Monthly logistics performance · 2025
| Month | EV scooter (km) | 4W EV (km) | 4W petrol (km) | Total (km) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 3,188 | 2,890 | 286 | 6,364 |
| February | 3,357 | 2,932 | 151 | 6,440 |
| March | 3,824 | 1,935 | 1,575 | 7,334 |
| April | 3,886 | 1,807 | 113 | 5,806 |
| May | 2,960 | 3,744 | 466 | 7,170 |
| June | 134 | 3,305 | 646 | 4,085 |
| July | - | 3,579 | 806 | 4,385 |
| August | 28 | 3,490 | 1,246 | 4,764 |
| September | 156 | 2,668 | 759 | 3,583 |
| October | 2,401 | 2,747 | 995 | 6,143 |
| November | 3,148 | 3,082 | 552 | 6,782 |
| December | 3,094 | 3,051 | 277 | 6,422 |
| Total | 26,025 | 35,230 | 7,872 | 69,127 |
Integration of vehicle tracking and planned routing improved efficiency and reduced service delays. Dedicated Arike vehicles supported continuous home care delivery across urban and semi-urban regions.
V · Operations
Beyond medical consultation, the physical comfort of a patient is paramount. Arike provides a wide array of assistive devices and medical equipment to families - transforming home environments into professional care settings.
| Equipment | Units |
|---|---|
| Air beds | 41 |
| Hospital beds | 40 |
| Oxygen concentrators | 32 |
| Wheelchairs | 19 |
| Backrests | 14 |
| Diapers (sets) | 12+ |
| Underpads (sets) | 11+ |
| Nebulizers | 10 |
| Suction apparatus | 9 |
| Commode chairs | 8 |
| Oxygen cylinders | 6 |
| Walkers | 5 |
| Walking sticks | 3 |
| IV stands | 2 |
| BiPAP machine | 1 |
Hospital bed and oxygen support remained consistently in demand, reflecting the rising number of long-term bedridden patients. Air beds helped prevent complications such as bedsores and improved comfort.
Mobility aids - wheelchairs and walkers - enabled partial independence and eased caregiver burden. Respiratory support devices (oxygen concentrators, cylinders, suction, BiPAP) ensured critical care at home and reduced emergency hospital admissions.
Hygiene materials - diapers and underpads - significantly improved dignity of care and reduced caregiver stress.
V · Operations
Arike leverages a sophisticated digital ecosystem to enhance patient care, streamline financial operations, and improve accessibility - ensuring the team can focus less on administrative tasks and more on compassionate, personalised support.
CARE - Open Healthcare Network. A unique Health Management System integrated with the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (Milestones 1, 2, and 3). Real-time access to demographics and clinical status - recognised globally as a UN Digital Public Good.
Care Scribe. An AI-powered multilingual transcription app that seamlessly syncs with our Electronic Medical Records - enabling accurate, efficient documentation.
Zoho Suite. For the last 2 years, Arike has leveraged Zoho One for all operations - from streamlined accounting and billing through Zoho Books to comprehensive organizational management. Generously provided free of cost by Zoho in support of our mission.
Voxbay IVR. An Interactive Voice Response system has enhanced our scalability and accessibility - ensuring patients and families have immediate, reliable access to information and services.
Special Mention
"The Zoho team has built a remarkable ecosystem that makes operational management effortless for organisations like ours. From finance and communication to workflow and reporting, Zoho One has become the true backbone of Arike's daily operations - enabling our people to focus on what matters most: the patient."
We are deeply grateful to Zoho for generously supporting Arike with Zoho One, free of cost - for two years and counting.
Part VI · Stewardship
In 2025, Arike received CSR contributions amounting to ₹1.92 crore from partner organisations - funds that enabled the expansion and continuity of home-based palliative care.
These funds enabled the procurement of essential medicines, medical consumables and supportive care materials; strengthened telemedicine; supported 114 awareness programmes; trained 50 social work interns and 12 international nursing professionals; sustained 69,127 km of mobility; and provided assistive devices to families across the district.
Partner message
CSR partners · 2025
Total · ₹1,91,66,820
Sutherland additionally provided three scooters through its CSR initiative to support care delivery.
VI · Stewardship
Arike recorded a total income of ₹2.52 crore and total expenditure of ₹2.46 crore during 2025 - the majority directly linked to patient care and service delivery.
| Income source | Amount (₹) |
|---|---|
| Donation from beneficiaries | 40,55,079 |
| Micro donations | 15,17,843 |
| Recurring micro donations | 4,50,557 |
| CSR contributions | 1,91,66,820 |
| IAP support - New Building renovation | 25,00,000 |
| Total income | 2,51,90,299 |
CSR funding remained the largest source of institutional support, contributing approximately 76% of total income. Community participation through one-time and recurring micro-donations generated ₹19.68 lakh, demonstrating strong public engagement, while beneficiary contributions of ₹40.55 lakh supported the continuity and sustainability of patient-centred home care.
A dedicated ₹25 lakh grant from IAP supported the New Building Renovation Project, strengthening infrastructure for future expansion. This diversified funding base enabled uninterrupted delivery of clinical care, home care, telemedicine, logistics, rehabilitation, social support, and community outreach programmes.
| Expense category | Amount (₹) |
|---|---|
| Salaries & employee wages | 1,62,53,365 |
| Programmes & outreach | 22,56,024 |
| Medical expenses | 13,83,088 |
| Office expenses | 11,53,221 |
| Logistics | 3,49,878 |
| Procurement | 3,35,343 |
| IT & internet | 1,61,773 |
| Consultant charges | 1,45,380 |
| HR training | 54,274 |
| New building renovation | 25,00,000 |
| Total expenditure | 2,45,92,346 |
Nearly 66% of expenditure went to the multidisciplinary team enabling 24/7 home care. Investments in logistics, IT, and communications strengthened continuity of care and financial sustainability.
Stewardship
Arike operates at the intersection of medical science and social responsibility. Our partnerships are structured so that no patient is left isolated by their geography or the complexity of their condition.
District Hospital, Aluva. Arike actively strengthens the public healthcare framework by supporting the District Training Centre in Palliative Care. By providing a dedicated staff nurse, we ensure the delivery of consistent nursing services and contribute to the professional development of the government's palliative care workforce.
Sri Sudheendra Medical Mission Hospital. This partnership focuses on the "continuum of care." Arike's team assesses and manages patients with chronic disease post-discharge to ease their transition home. Sudheendra Hospital serves as a referral point for terminal patients experiencing sudden symptom flare-ups who require temporary inpatient supportive care.
MEHAC Foundation. Our collaboration with MEHAC focuses on integrated psychosocial care. Arike's social work officers identify and refer patients or caregivers facing severe psychological distress - bringing trained psychologists and psychiatrists directly into the community-based care model.
UDBODH Dementia Daycare Centre. Located in Pachalam, a landmark collaborative effort involving CUSAT, Cochin Corporation, and Geojit Financial Services. Arike provides medical check-ups and personalised care plans; the centre offers cognitive stimulation, music therapy, and physical activities designed to stabilise emotional health and reduce isolation for dementia patients.
MIND - Mobility in Dystrophy. Arike works in tandem with MIND to support individuals with Spinal Muscular Atrophy and Muscular Dystrophy - implementing programmes aimed at social inclusion and dignified community living.
Collaborations · continued
ESIP - Ernakulam Students Initiative in Palliative Care. Through ESIP, Arike empowers the next generation of advocates - facilitating specialised training for students in schools and colleges so they can address vulnerable individuals through community programmes, get-togethers, and seasonal initiatives like "My Santa."
Jeremiah Betrony Palliative Care. This partnership focuses on clinical skill-sharing and 24/7 accessibility. Jeremiah utilises Arike's teleconsultation service for expert guidance, and collaborates on joint training modules for nurses and community volunteers - standardising the quality of care.
Indian Association of Palliative Care (IAPC), Kerala. Arike serves as the digital host for IAPC Kerala, managing the CARE Software (open-source EMR). We permit and assist other healthcare establishments in utilising this system to digitise patient records and streamline home-based healthcare delivery.
Pallium India (Trivandrum). Since late 2024, Arike and Pallium India have worked together at regional and national levels - pooling expertise, sharing best practices, and leveraging combined strengths to influence palliative care policy and expand the reach of services to underserved populations.
Part Seven
From a localised success story in Cochin to a blueprint for community-led palliative care. Scaling through technology, professionalising volunteerism, and fostering a research-driven culture.
Future plans · 2026 and beyond
The Community Resource Centre in Healthcare (CRHC) will serve as the structural backbone of our expansion across India.
Arike is supporting the Neighbourhood Network for Health (NNH) - a community-based model rooted in the One Health approach that brings care closer to homes through families, neighbourhoods, professionals, and local institutions. It aims to promote health, prevent disease, reduce unnecessary hospitalisation, and ensure continuity of care - building a sustainable, people-centred ecosystem where no one is left behind.
In their words
"My wife and I had a unique and wonderful experience with Arike's home care services. The care and attention we received were exceptional. My wife is a professional beautician, and we think her skills could be a great asset - perhaps she could offer grooming services to patients, enhancing their overall experience. We're looking forward to many more home care sessions with Arike."
- A doctor who volunteered his time for homecare
"When I first joined Arike as a student volunteer, I didn't know that the moments spent here could hold so much meaning in my life. What makes Arike special is the way everyone - doctors, nurses, social workers, drivers, and volunteers - work together like one family. There's a quiet strength in how they reach homes filled with pain and turn them into spaces of dignity and peace."
- Hashir, volunteer
"I'm happy for the volunteering opportunity at Arike. It was just a short engagement and lasted only four hours. But indeed, it had a profound influence in my life. My perspective about life has significantly changed after visiting bed-ridden patients at their homes. What I appreciate about Arike is the way the team respects every person they meet. Watching the nurses and social workers work so patiently has changed the way I look at care. I feel grateful that I was able to be a part of this work, even in a small way."
- Mr. Suresh, volunteer
Closing
As we present the 2025 Annual Report, we do so with a profound sense of pride and gratitude. This year has been more than a collection of milestones; it has been a definitive period of transformation for Arike - where we successfully merged the warmth of community-based care with the precision of modern technology.
The achievements detailed in these pages - from our care fleet covering nearly 70,000 kilometres to our CARE software managing over 3,000 registrations - are not merely statistics. They represent lives touched, pain alleviated, and families supported. None of this would have been possible without the unwavering commitment of our donors, the clinical excellence of our staff, and the tireless spirit of our volunteers.
To our patients and families, thank you for inviting us into your homes and your lives. Your resilience in the face of life-limiting illness is our greatest inspiration. We remain dedicated to ensuring that your journey is defined by dignity, comfort, and the constant presence of a supportive community.
Our strength lies in our ecosystem. To the Indian Medical Association, our specialised hospital partners, and the academic institutions that hosted our UNARV workshops - thank you. Your collaboration has allowed us to turn a local initiative into a national blueprint. This year, our focus on training - from mentoring 50 social work interns to hosting international nursing professionals - has solidified Arike's position as a hub for palliative excellence.
To our donors and supporters, your generosity is the fuel that keeps our wheels turning - literally and figuratively. Whether you contributed a micro-donation for an Onam food kit or supported our transition to advanced digital healthcare tools, you have directly empowered us to reach further and care deeper.
As we look toward 2026, we are transitioning from a service provider to a knowledge leader. With our Community Resource Centre and the implementation of a state-wide palliative grid, we are committed to ensuring that quality care is never a privilege, but a standard. Thank you for being the heart of this journey. Together, we will continue to ensure that no one has to face the most difficult moments of life alone - or in pain.
With deepest gratitude,
Dr. George Tukalan
CEO, Arike Care
Donation & contact
Your support is vital to expanding our reach and ensuring that we continue to provide dignified care to those in need. We warmly encourage you to contribute to Arike - enabling us to make a meaningful and lasting difference.
| Account name | Arike Daycare Nurses |
| Bank | Federal Bank |
| Branch | Palarivattom |
| A/c no. | 13800100459765 |
| IFSC code | FDRL0001380 |
Home Care · An Initiative of IMA Cochin