Archive · 27 Jul 2025
Kerala's Living Wills Revolutionizes Palliative Care
Imagine you're really sick and can't say what you want for your medical care.
A 'Living Will' is like a note saying what you want to happen.
A doctor in Kerala started a place to help people make these notes.
It's like a secret change happening in healthcare, where people decide if they want more medical help or just to be comfortable.
The government made rules to allow these notes to be used, so more people can decide how they want to be cared for when they are very ill.
They are making it easier for people to write down their wishes and have them followed.
Kerala is experiencing a silent revolution in palliative care with the popularization of Advanced Medical Directives (AMD) or Living Wills.
A Living Will Information Counter opened on November 1, 2024, at the Government Medical College’s Palliative Care unit in Kollam, is the first such initiative in the country.
The Supreme Court legally recognized Living Wills in 2018 and simplified procedures in 2023.
Living Wills allow individuals to make healthcare choices for terminal illnesses or life-threatening diseases, including decisions about medical intervention.
The Government Medical College in Alappuzha is set to open a similar Living Will Information Desk following Kollam's success.
- Who
- Dr. Induprabha Yadev, medical professionals, and individuals seeking control over end-of-life care
- What
- The popularization of Living Wills to allow individuals to make healthcare choices for terminal illnesses.
- When
- The concept gained traction in recent years; a counter opened November 1, 2024
- Where
- Kerala, India
- Why
- To allow individuals to decide their healthcare preferences when facing a terminal illness and to avoid unwanted medical interventions.
Patient's Preference
Medical Support
Medical Intervention
Patient's Preference
Individuals can choose to avoid major medical interventions and have a peaceful exit.
Medical Support
Individuals can choose to receive all possible medical support to extend their life longer.
- Document Type
- Living Will/Advanced Medical Directive
- Location of First Counter
- Government Medical College, Kollam, Kerala
- Date Counter Opened
- November 1, 2024
- Legal Recognition
- Supreme Court of India, 2018
- Purpose of Living Will
- To outline healthcare preferences for terminal illnesses
- Required for Will
- Two or more healthcare attorneys and a gazetted officer/notary.