Death with dignity: 300 people approach Kerala’s first Living Will counter; Alappuzha Medical College joins the initiative

Alappuzha, Kerala: Alappuzha Medical College is taking a significant step by setting up a 'Living Will' counter to help patients prepare end-of-life declarations. This initiative is aimed at those who are certain they will not recover and do not wish to remain alive through life-support machines. The move reinforces the principle of the right to live with dignity—and die with the same dignity.

As the will is self-prepared, it carries legal weight, meaning relatives cannot insist on prolonging treatment while the patient is unconscious. A Primary and Secondary Medical Board will be constituted as part of the initiative. So far, 300 people have approached the state’s first Living Will counter at Kollam’s Parippally Medical College.

What is a Living Will?

The Living Will is based on a 2018 Supreme Court judgement. It involves a special application form that must be signed by a family member and a witness, along with certification from a gazetted officer or notary to ensure the applicant is acting voluntarily.

One copy of the Living Will should be kept at home, while another must be sent by registered post to the local government authority.

If a patient is certain that survival is unlikely, their children or close relatives may submit the Living Will to the hospital. The patient’s health condition will then be assessed for 48 hours by a Primary Medical Board, with the District Medical Officer’s approval. It will subsequently be reviewed by a Secondary Medical Board consisting of three members. The final decision will be taken after informing the District Magistrate.

Applicants may amend or cancel the Living Will at any time. Anyone over the age of 18 who is not currently ill can also prepare one. This is expected to help avoid legal complications and potential disputes among family members.