Inequity in access to palliative care services worldwide and in Slovenia

Historically rooted in religious and charitable care, modern palliative care emerged with Dame Cicely Saunders' hospice movement, evolving into a medical specialty. Access varies widely - Europe has high integration in some countries but significant disparities in service distribution and opioid use. Africa, Latin America, and parts of Asia still lack widespread provision. In Slovenia, palliative care development began in the 1980s and has recently expanded to include some specialized palliative care services across the country. Despite this progress, palliative care in Slovenia remains underdeveloped due to limited coverage, regional disparities, workforce shortages, insufficient formal education, and an old and ineffective national policy. Opioid availability is slightly below the European average, and its use is declining, which raises concerns about further unmet needs.