Harish Rana, a 31-year-old from Ghaziabad, who has remained in a permanent vegetative state for nearly 13 years, is set to have life-sustaining treatment withdrawn. The process will focus entirely on comfort, dignity, and palliative care.

Emotional farewell before treatment

A video shows Harish Rana receiving a deeply emotional farewell. His forehead was marked with tilak, prayers were offered, and he was told, “Forgive everyone, apologise to everyone, and leave. It’s okay.” The moment reflects the personal and human side of the difficult decision.

Supreme Court approves withdrawal of treatment

The Supreme Court has authorised passive euthanasia for Harish Rana. He will be admitted to a palliative care unit in New Delhi, where medical staff will follow legal guidelines for withdrawing life-sustaining treatment.

Harish Rana has been fully dependent on medical support for breathing, feeding, and daily care since a severe head injury. Medical assessments confirm that his chances of recovery are negligible.

Medical approach and care plan

Doctors will prioritise comfort over life-prolonging interventions. Pain management, hygiene, and routine supportive care will guide treatment. Nutrition will be tapered gradually, and any complications like breathing difficulties will be handled without aggressive interventions.

The aim is to ensure Harish Rana remains free from pain, distress, or discomfort throughout the process.

Legal journey to this point

The family had petitioned for medical assessment to allow passive euthanasia. After years of legal procedures and multiple evaluations, the court approved withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment, recognising the irreversible nature of Harish Rana’s condition.