P.E.I.'s new palliative home care drug program started Monday.

The plan, at a cost of $547,000 a year, was announced by the Ghiz government earlier this year. The program covers the cost of medications needed to manage pain at home in the final stage of illness. Up until now patients had to remain in hospital to receive this kind of treatment.

"Traditionally, an individual who was in the last stages of their life would have to be transported back to the hospital for treatment, re: their medications," Health Minister Doug Currie told CBC News Monday.

"This takes a tremendous amount of pressure off the individuals, family, and most importantly it allows the individual who is palliative to make the choice … This is a program certainly that is going to provide a tremendous amount of comfort."

Staff trained in palliative care will work with a patient's family and caregivers to decide if someone is a good fit for home care.

Patients will still be required to pay $2 per prescription.