Safeguards that this ‘bridge of communication’ is authentic must be in place. The proposed two-panel system creates a double-checking mechanism. It creates accountability for doctors and hospitals when they inform a patient and their family that there is nothing more that medicine can do for them. The guidelines give the patient/family/legal guardian the legal space to make an informed choice.
The draft’s reference to economic burden, and statements on better use of medical resources, create a sense of unease. Safeguards must be built in to ensure that hospitals do not use it as a loophole to provide unnecessary extended treatment to those who can pay. Hope must not be abused. Alongside, a system of long-term care facilities should be set up for those who do not wish to terminate life-sustaining treatments even as mala fide parties may encourage assisted death for the wrong reasons. Life is precious. Which makes it more important that there is dignity in death.