Enabling people to choose end-of-life care

• The GMCH, Kollam, is the first hospital in India to establish such a counter.

• A living will is a legal document that specifies healthcare preferences for individuals with terminal illness or life-threatening conditions.

• Writing a living will involves multiple healthcare attorneys and a gazetted officer or notary certifying the document.

• Before executing the will, two medical boards are convened to confirm terminal illness and zero chance of survival.

• Living wills are often confused with euthanasia, which is not legal in India.

• Living wills reduce the burden of family, allowing patients with no hope of survival to opt for CPR, ventilator support, or ICU care.