INCTR established this program with the goal of assisting developing countries to initiate and sustain effective palliative care programs suitable for their countries.

Since 2002, INCTR has been working with the Nepal Network for Cancer Treatment and Research (NNCTR/INCTR), which is INCTR's branch in Nepal, to develop an end-of-life care program suitable for Nepal. Twenty-five beds have been allocated for palliative care in four facilities in the Kathmandu Valley which has greatly improved access to care. Training in modern methods of symptom palliation, the correct use of opioid medication and the psychosocial support of patients and their families, an essential pre-requisite to establishing the program has been provided and continues on an on-going basis. A home hospice program has begun. Future plans for Nepal include the establishment of a rural outreach service and expansion of pediatric palliative care.

Using the model developed for Nepal, this program is being extended to other regions, including South India (in collaboration with the American Cancer Society) and Tanzania.

Clinical Guidelines for Palliative Care, appropriate for use in low-resource countries have been developed.