Making decisions about ending life-sustaining treatment (WLST) for terminally ill patients has always been difficult for families and doctors. However, a recent government order and the Supreme Court’s guidelines have brought much-needed clarity, making the process more structured and less distressing.
New Guidelines for WLST
Under the new rules, hospitals now have a clear procedure to follow when a patient or their family requests WLST. The process is as follows:
- Primary Board Decision – A board of experts at the hospital, including the treating physician, will first review the patient’s condition and decide if WLST should be considered.
- Secondary Board Approval – A second board, headed by the district health officer (DHO) and doctors nominated by them, will make the final decision.
- Brain Death Panel Inclusion – Doctors who are already part of the brain death declaration committee can also serve on the secondary board, reducing delays.
Why This Change is Important
- Less Bureaucracy, Faster Decisions – Earlier, delays in forming the secondary board often led to unnecessary suffering. Now, with a structured process, WLST can be facilitated more efficiently.
- Reduces Emotional and Financial Burden – Families of terminally ill patients no longer have to struggle with prolonged hospital stays and expensive treatments with little to no chance of recovery.
- Ensures Peaceful and Dignified Passing – With proper medical care, patients can now pass away comfortably in a hospital setting instead of being taken home and extubated under painful conditions.
Expert Opinions on WLST
Dr. Varun Byrappa (KIMS, Bengaluru) highlighted that 20% of ICU patients request WLST knowing that further treatment would not be beneficial. With the new law, doctors can obtain prior consent from families, reducing unnecessary interventions.
Dr. Pretesh Kiran, a geriatric consultant, mentioned that families often feel guilty when making these decisions. The new guidelines provide legal clarity, helping caregivers make informed choices without guilt.
Dr. Nagesh Simha, a senior palliative care expert, emphasized that WLST allows for a peaceful passing. Previously, many families would take the patient home, leading to painful deaths due to abrupt ventilator removal. Now, sedation and comfort care can be provided within the hospital.
If you or a loved one is facing a critical end-of-life decision, speak to your doctor or hospital team about WLST. These new guidelines ensure that patients receive compassionate and dignified end-of-life care without unnecessary suffering.
Understanding WLST can help families make informed decisions. Talk to your healthcare provider today and learn about your options
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