Goa has become the first state in India to implement the advanced medical directive (AMD) regime, also known as a 'living will,' following the standards set by the Supreme Court of India. On May 31, 2024, Justice Mahesh Sonak of the Bombay High Court released the 'Advanced Medical Directive' booklet and became the first Goan to make a 'living will.'
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) Goa section and the Goa State Legal Services Authority (GSLSA) organized the event, which was attended by several renowned individuals like Justice Sonak, Dinesh Shetty, and Dr. Sandesh Chodankar signing their "living will" documents. The event, held at the high court premises near Panaji, marked a significant step in end-of-life care and patient autonomy in the state.
A 'living will' is a legal document that allows patients to authorize doctors to make medical decisions on their behalf during the final stages of a terminal illness, such as cancer, dementia, or severe heart disease. This directive helps doctors decide when to take a patient off life support or halt other forms of treatment, thus respecting the patient's wishes even when they can not communicate them.
In 2018, the Indian Supreme Court legalized the practice of passive suicide, allowing individuals to outline their end-of-life treatment preferences through a 'living will.' In February 2023, the Court made it easier to implement these directives. Goa's operationalization of the AMD facility reflects a commitment to implementing these directives in both letter and spirit.
During the ceremony, Justice Sonak expressed his gratitude to everyone involved in making the AMD possible in Goa. He emphasized the importance of the booklet, which provides detailed guidance on the legal and medical aspects of a 'living will,' including links to relevant documents and consents required for its execution.
The event highlighted the significance of the Supreme Court's judgment, which has paved the way for end-of-life care (EOLC) 'living wills,' also known as advanced medical directives. Dr. Medha Salkar, Chief Medical Officer at the Directorate of Services Goa, witnessed the signing and underscored the importance of this development for terminally ill patients. Dr. Shekhar Salkar shared personal experiences, emphasizing the relief and clarity that a 'living will' can provide to both patients and their families.
The implementation of the AMD facility in Goa is expected to set a precedent for other states in India, encouraging more individuals to consider creating a 'living will' to ensure their treatment preferences are respected. This development aims to reduce the emotional and financial burden on families and healthcare systems.
(Input from various media sources)
(Rehash/ Susmita Bhandary/MSM)
