In a landmark development, Justice MS Sonak of the Bombay High Court's Goa Bench became the first individual in Goo to register a "living will," setting a precedent for advance medical directives within the state. The event, marked by a cerermony on Friday, was organized by the Indian Medical Association's Goa branch and the Goa State Legal Services Authority (GSLSA).
During the ceremony. Justice Sonak emphasized the importance of preparing for end-of-life decisions. This is a momentous occasion. We often get so caught up in the day-to-day that we forget the inevitabilities of life, including its end. We must start to think about and prepare for these realities well in advance," he stated.
The concept of a living will, which allows individuals to outline their medical preferences in situations where they are unable to communicate their decisions, was bolstered by the Supreme Court's 2018 decision legalizing passive euthanasia under strict guidelines These guidelines were further refined in 2023, simplifying the process for drafting and registering living wills.
Justice Sonak also highlighted Goa's pioneering role in formalizing the use of advance medical directives. "Goa has taken a significant step by beginning to implement the directives from the Supreme Court. While there may be initial challenges, these are merely teething issues that will be resolved as we move forward" he remarked
According to the established guidelines, a living will must be drafted according to a prescribed format in the presence of two witnesses and certified by a gazelled officer or a notary. It is then submitted to the Mamlatdar of the respective taluka for further processing and safekeeping.
Dr. Shekhar Salkar, a noted oncosurgeon and former chairman of the Goa Medical Council, shared a personal anecdote about the peaceful passing of his father, underscoring the emotional significance of the ability to make such profound decisions. "Being able to decide on ending life support and allowing my father to pass away peacefully at home was the most humane decision we could make. It underscores the importance of having directives like these in place," he reflected.
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