Karnataka enacts SC order on right to die with dignity

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.