Euthanasia to be legalized?

It is like doctor-assisted suicide by brain-dead and terminally ill patients. As on today, it is not permitted by law in many countries, since suicide is an illegal act.

In Europe, things are changing with regard to the issue of terminally ill patients asking for dignified death. Some of the countries like Belgium, Switzerland and now Germany have approved euthanasia with the consent of the patient. Now, in those countries, it is not a crime to cut off life-sustaining treatment for such a patient. It is now easier for people to allow their loved-ones to die instead of allowing them to suffer silently. This of course, also saves a lot of money in terms of hospital and medical bills and most importantly would end the metal agony of the relatives and friends of seeing their loved-ones suffer the pain.

But, what about the possible misuse of the law in connivance with the doctors? Who all can decide to go for euthanasia? Does patient himself should make a will, or should give the necessary consent in writing? These are the issues which should be addressed through legislation. Such patients can also be persuaded to donate their organs for the needy. It sounds a little cruel though.

Medical care and radiation dose

As per the reports published in the literature, the medical component of the per capita annual dose received by Indian population (1.93% of the annual dose) is much lower than the same received by the population from developed countries (11 to 14%). May be, the medical care aspect in India is not up to the level desired, but, the definitely the over-treatment or un-necessary use of diagnostic tools, like X-rays, CT scans and MRIs is not desirable.

The radiation exposures from man-made sources contribute only 0.4% (India) and 0.6% (world) to the average annual public dose.

The data brings to the focus that after natural radiation component (89% - world and 98% - India), medical care contributes maximum to the exposure of the public to radiation. Thus, over-treatment as practiced by the western world is not desirable. The physician should take a wise decision with respect to: the desirability of sending a patient for a scan or can the scan be avoided or can an alternate technique without radiation exposure can be recommended for diagnosis.

The use of radiation for the treatment of cancers is well known. However, indiscriminate use radiation can also induce cancer in healthy cells. Optimization of radiation dose should be the “mantra” in controlling medical exposures of patients.