Karnataka is the first state in India to adopt the Supreme Court’s ruling on the right to die with dignity, paving the way for hospitals in Bengaluru to establish committees to assist terminally ill patients who have no chance of recovery. These committees are expected to be fully operational by next month.
The state government, in a decision made in January, directed hospitals to set up two separate boards. These committees will assess cases where patients wish to withdraw life-sustaining measures, but a court order will still be needed to finalize the decision. Hospitals are now working to comply with the legal framework.
The primary board will consist of the patient’s doctor, along with two additional specialists with at least five years of experience. A secondary board will involve three other specialists from the same institution, with one nominated by the district health officer.
Hospitals are focusing on equipping medical professionals with the necessary training to navigate both the legal and ethical aspects of these sensitive situations. Emotional support and counseling for the patient’s family are also essential. Grief counselors will be provided to help families understand the process.
Though the withdrawal of life support is now allowed under specific conditions, active euthanasia remains illegal in India. Karnataka’s new guidelines ensure a balance between compassionate care and legal protections for terminal patients.
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