Haryana Hospitals Embrace 'Right to Die' Dignity Protocol

Haryana is now actively implementing the Supreme Court's landmark judgment concerning the right to die with dignity. The state's health department has mandated that all hospitals adhere to a legally defined protocol for end-of-life care. This includes the establishment of specialized medical boards and the framework governing living wills, ensuring a consistent approach across the state.

The protocol is a direct result of the Supreme Court's "Common Cause vs Union of India" judgment. While the right to die with dignity was recognized in 2018, a subsequent order on January 24, 2023, simplified procedures for living wills and withdrawal of life support, making safeguards more practical for families and healthcare providers.

A living will, or advance medical directive, allows individuals to document their wishes for treatment if they become terminally ill and unable to communicate. This document must be voluntarily signed, witnessed, and attested. It also requires the nomination of a guardian to represent the patient's interests.

Decisions to withdraw life support cannot be made unilaterally by doctors or family members. If a patient has a living will and treatment is deemed medically futile, primary and secondary medical boards must independently recommend withdrawal. For patients without living wills, similar board assessments are required after consulting the patient's family or guardian.

The implementation of this framework is intended to clarify end-of-life care procedures, reducing legal ambiguity for hospitals. The health department is scheduled to review the implementation status on July 29 before submitting a compliance report to the Supreme Court.