There is a slow but sure rise in the number of people deciding to draft a living will — a document that tells their families and doctors when it is time to let them go.
Feels “healthy, by the grace of God,” but knows what it’s like to live through a long, painful goodbye.
The Living Will Clinic at Mumbai’s private PD Hinduja Hospital, possibly India’s first, opened in June to help patients and families have an honest conversation about end-of-life choices and ensure that those choices are legally and medically binding.
“Now my children won’t have to guess what to do. It’s written down. It’s my decision.”
A gradually rising number of people in Mumbai are walking into municipal ward offices to declare, in writing, how they wish to die.
‘Living Wills’ or ‘Advance Medical Directives,’ are legal documents that state a person’s refusal to be kept alive on life-support if their condition becomes irreversible or terminal.
Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has recorded 40 such wills across its 24 wards so far.
“The living wills have come from individuals in their 50s, 60s, 70s, and also one who was 83.”
“Medical officers and assistant health officers across all 24 city wards have been designated as custodians of those documents. Their contact details are available on the BMC website.”
“Death is not a medical failure. It’s a natural, divine mechanism built into the body. Yet, modern medicine has turned it into something to be resisted, even when there’s no hope.”
“Creating the document is only step one. What matters is whether it will be honored when the time comes.”
INSIDE INDIA’S FIRST LIVING WILL CLINIC:
The living will at clinic at PD Hinduja hospital is open to anyone over the age of 18, irrespective of whether they are currently unwell or not.
Some come to prepare for future uncertainties — like a sudden accident, or a devasting illness. “Others, like patients with cancer, dementia, Parkinson’s or end-stage heart, kidney, or lung disease, seek clarity and control over how they wish to be treated when the disease inevitably progresses.”
The clinic has witnessed a steady stream of interest since its launch, from 40 to 80 year-olds. While some come alone, many come with family members who take an active part in discussions.
“In chronic and terminal illnesses, ICU-based interventions are not always helpful beyond a point. After a certain stage, it’s not about prolonging life but avoiding suffering.”
A living will, if created at P D Hinduja, is valid anywhere across India. “Families can s hare it with any treatment facility; the directives must be respected as long as legal and medical activation criteria are met.”
WHAT THE CLINIC OFFERS:
- Medical counseling on situations involving ventilators, feeding tubes, CPR, etc.
- Support for legal documentation using SC-approved format.
- Execution and notarization of a living will. (Copies are sent to families, doctors, and designated custodians based on patient’s residential ward).
- The fee charged is per standard OPD rates with free consultation available for those in need.
WHEN DOES A LIVING WILL GET IMPLEMENTED?
- A living will only take effect when a patient can no longer decide for herself.
- At least two medical boards must certify that the patient’s condition is terminal or irreversible.
