New Delhi:Euthanasia remains as controversial now as it was when it was first introduced to the modern Indian mind-set.
A recent Law Commission report has once again stirred the debate over the choice of terminally ill patients to end their lives. “There are many factors that need to be considered in such a case,” says AIIMS Doctor, Manjari Tripathi.
The report has recommended the setting up of a three-member panel to allow the withdrawal of life-support systems from terminally ill patients. Patients and their next of kin are to notify the High Court in cases such as these.
But medical experts cherish their doubts.
Max doctor Talat Halim, feels the premise needs to be clarified, in the first place. “You need to properly define terminally ill,” he says, adding that life-support is switched off only for organ donation.
The report also talks of informed decision made by a competent patient, which also is being questioned by medical practitioners.
Though the Commission has clarified this is different from euthanasia, it could well become a legalisation of the same.
And there is much that can be said on both sides.
Dr Talat Halim says, “It may be good if same resources are used for more needy people.” However a sociologist feels it is bad, especially for the elderly.
Typically, the Government has reacted negatively to the proposal, but not before it revived the discussion in medical circles.
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