Withdrawing of life support in terminally ill patients

Health Ministry has released draft guidelines outlining conditions

IH News Desk

NATIONAL, September 30, 2024: The Union Health Ministry has released draft guidelines outlining conditions for withdrawing life support in terminally ill patients. Terminal illness is defined as irreversible or incurable conditions with death inevitable in the foreseeable future including severe brain injuries with no recovery after 72 hours.

Doctors are advised to make a considered decision based on factors such as the patient being declared brainstem dead, a poor prognosis with no likely benefit from treatment or a documented informed refusal from the patient or their family.

The guidelines emphasize that life-sustaining treatments (LST) are non-beneficial and excessive and inappropriate in such circumstances, which is considered standard ICU care worldwide. Decisions have medical, ethical, and legal considerations.

Life Support / Terminally Ill / ICU

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