New Delhi: Health Ministry has issued draft guidelines on passive euthanasia. This is a situation when the patient is suffering from a serious and incurable disease. There is no hope left for his recovery. Taking an important decision, the Government of India has issued guidelines regarding removal of life support for patients suffering from incurable diseases. According to these guidelines, if it is unnecessary for a terminally ill patient to continue life support and the patient's family or representative agrees, life support can be withdrawn with the permission of the medical board of the hospital.What is necessary before removing life support?
The Health Ministry has sought public opinion on this draft till October 20. However, many types of reactions are also emerging regarding this decision. Some people are welcoming this decision because it will save patients from unnecessary trouble. At the same time, some people are worried that this decision may be misused. Four conditions have been set for this.
It's a burden on the family too
When the patient is not getting any benefit from life support. He/she is in pain. When the patient has been declared brain dead. The patient or his/her family must refuse in writing to continue life support. This decision will be applicable to those patients for whom ventilator, surgery or any other medical treatment is not beneficial. The government believes that continuing life support in such cases is an emotional and financial burden not only for the patient but also for his family.
Who will make decisions on behalf of the patient?
Before reaching this decision, the patient's condition will be examined by a primary medical board and then by a second medical board. The government has also ensured that the autonomy of the patient and his family is respected in the process. This decision is certainly an important step forward on a complex issue. Who will make decisions on the patient's behalf when the patient is no longer able to do so himself? In such a situation it will depend on the surrogate. This decision may be taken regarding removal of life support. Who will be the surrogate depends on whether the patient has given any advance directive or not.
How can this be made easier?
Dr RK Mani, one of the doctors who prepared the guidelines, said the last date for submitting comments is October 20. He said any issues raised would be placed before an expert committee of the health ministry. Dr Sumit Ray, head of the critical care department at Holy Family Hospital, said the Supreme Court has given top priority to the safety of the individual, but unfortunately it has made the process very complex and difficult to implement. But, it is definitely a step forward and hopefully it will be reviewed in the near future after some experience with the process, to make it easier and less complicated.
