Draft Guidelines for Passive Euthanasia

Syllabus: Prelims Unit I - General Science

Key Definitions

• Terminal illness: Irreversible/incurable condition with inevitable death
• Severe traumatic brain injury: No recovery after 72+ hours

Four Essential Conditions

• Confirmed brainstem death
• Advanced disease without benefit from aggressive interventions
• Documented informed refusal from patient/surrogate
• Compliance with Supreme Court procedures

Medical Board Structure

• Primary Medical Board (PMB):
• Minimum three physicians
• Makes initial decision
• Secondary Medical Board:
• Three physicians
• One appointee from District Chief Medical Officer
• Validates PMB decision

Decision-Making Process

• Based on documented informed refusal
• Requires considered decision in patient's interest
• Needs medical prognostication
• Follows prescribed procedures