Soft stance on euthanasia! When will the life support system be removed, what are the things mentioned in the new guidelines of the government?

New Delhi: The 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/her 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 to continue life support for a terminally ill patient and the patient’s family or representative agrees, life support can be withdrawn with the permission of the medical board of the hospital.What is necessary before removing life support?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 people’s 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 can save patients from unnecessary suffering. At the same time, some people are worried that this decision may be misused. Four conditions have been set for this.

The burden falls 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 should 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/her family.

Who will take 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 another medical board. The government has also ensured that the autonomy of the patient and his/her family is respected in the process. This decision is certainly an important step forward on a complex issue. Who will take the decision on behalf of the patient when the patient is not able to do so himself? In such a situation it will depend on the surrogate. This decision could be about removing life support. Who the surrogate will be depends on whether the patient has given any advance directive or not.

How can it be made easier?
Dr RK Mani, one of the doctors who drafted the guidelines, said the last date for submitting comments is October 20. Any issues raised will be placed before the expert committee of the Health Ministry, he/she said. Dr Sumit Ray, head of the critical care department at Holy Family Hospital, said that 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.