The Karnataka Health Department has officially implemented the Supreme Court’s directive that allows terminally ill patients the right to die with dignity. This policy is designed for individuals suffering from incurable illnesses or those with no chance of recovery while on life support.

Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, in a statement on X, emphasised the significance of this move. “This will immensely benefit those who are terminally ill, have no hope of recovery, or are in a persistent vegetative state, where life-sustaining treatment is no longer benefits from life-sustaining treatment,” he said.

He also announced the introduction of an Advance Medical Directive (AMD), commonly known as a living will. “With this provision, patients can record their wishes about their medical treatment in the future,” he added.

My Karnataka Health Department, @DHFWKA, passes a historic order to implement the Supreme Court’s directive for a patients Right to Die with dignity.

This will immensely benefit those who are terminally ill with no hope of
recovery, or are in a persistent vegetative state, and… pic.twitter.com/UxN2zMdN1c

— Dinesh Gundu Rao/ದಿನೇಶ್ ಗುಂಡೂರಾವ್ (@dineshgrao) January 31, 2025

What Does 'Right-To-Die' Mean?

A government circular clarifies the framework under which this policy will function. It states that life-sustaining treatment may be withheld or withdrawn (WLST) for patients with no prospect of recovery. The directive aligns with Supreme Court guidelines, which also recognise the validity of advance medical directives and outline the procedures for their execution.

The cirular read: "To enable a dignified death, it has held that life-sustaining treatment may be withheld or withdrawn (WLST) where the patient is terminally ill with no hope of recovery, or is in a persistent vegetative state, and where the patient no longer benefits from life-sustaining treatment. It has laid down guidelines to govern WLST."

The circular further explains that SC has held that in cases where patients lack decision-making capacity and are undergoing prolonged treatment with no possibility of recovery, the withdrawal of life support may be considered. This applies especially to those in a persistent vegetative state, where continued medical intervention may do more harm than good.

Implementation Process

The Karnataka government has set up a structured two-step review process to ensure careful assessment before life support is withdrawn, as per a report on India Today.

In the Primary Medical Board, a panel of three doctors will first evaluate the patient’s condition. Later, a Secondary Medical Board, consisting of three doctors along with a government-appointed medical expert, will then review the findings.

Once both boards confirm the patient meets the eligibility criteria, the report is sent to the court for final approval. If sanctioned, the process of withdrawing life support will be carried out under strict medical supervision. This process will only commence upon a formal request from the patient’s family.