2 days ago
Alappuzha MCH to launch Palliative Care Clinic with Living Will Information Desk
In a bid to empower people to choose their end-of-life medical preferences, a Living Will Information Desk will soon become functional at the Government Medical College Hospital (MCH), Alappuzha.
The Living Will Information Desk, a first-of-its-kind initiative in the district, will function under the Comprehensive Palliative Care Clinic being set up at the MCH under the Department of Anaesthesiology. According to MCH authorities, the clinic is expected to begin functioning by the end of July.
A living will is a document in which a person records their medical treatment preferences in advance, for situations where they may be unable to make decisions themselves - such as during terminal illness or critical conditions. It outlines the individual's choices regarding end-of-life care. Through this, one can pre-decide whether or not to undergo life-sustaining treatments like ventilation or dialysis, and also express wishes related to organ donation and funeral arrangements.
Anyone above 18 years of age
Anyone above 18 years of age can sign a living will. After consultation with family members, the signed document is attested by a gazetted officer and kept under the custody of the local self-government institution, as per procedure. Forms and guidelines for filling out a living will are available at the desk, which will function from Monday to Friday.
Besides, outpatient services for patients in need of palliative care will be available at the Comprehensive Palliative Care Clinic every Saturday from 9.30 a.m. onwards. 'A ward with 10 beds has been set up. Doctors from other departments will offer their services. Apart from Living Will Information Desk, a pharmacy and a store are part of the clinic,' said an official.
Officials said that as part of the palliative care initiatives at the MCH, students are actively involved in activities under the banner Karunya. 'Every year, a paraplegia meet is held, bringing together individuals with lower-body paralysis, and medical camps are organised. These efforts aim to provide both physical and emotional support to bedridden patients. Palliative care has also been included in the curriculum for house surgeons. As part of this, doctors visit and examine bedridden patients in Alappuzha and nearby areas at their homes,' the official added.
