Advance Care Planning: Dignity in Death Debated

A workshop on advance care planning and living wills was recently organized as part of the Sundaram Medical Foundation's annual academic conference. Experts discussed the critical need to uphold patient dignity and autonomy in end-of-life decisions.

India's low ranking in end-of-life care was attributed to inadequate palliative care access and a societal reluctance to discuss death. The implementation of the right to die with dignity remains a significant challenge, requiring stakeholder involvement.

Advance care planning strategically introduces discussions about life-limiting illnesses. Living wills offer clear directives for medical treatment, especially regarding the refusal of certain treatments, providing clarity for families during difficult times.

Initiatives like CANSTOP offer cancer support, while 'Dear Akka' provides digital health assistance for various conditions including cancer and menopause. These programs aim to improve patient support and access to care.