P. D. Hinduja Hospital Sets Up Living Will Clinic

P. D. Hinduja Hospital & Medical Research Centre has launched India’s first Living Will Clinic to empower individuals to make informed decisions about their future medical care. The clinic will help individuals articulate and document their healthcare preferences through a legally recognised Living Will, ensuring that their decisions are known and respected, even if they may be unable to communicate them later during their medical treatment.

A living will, also known as an advanced medical directive is a legal document that enables individuals to outline their preferences for medical treatment in serious or unforeseen health circumstances, ensuring they retain control over future healthcare decisions. As part of advance care planning, it encourages individuals to reflect on their values, document treatment choices, appoint a medical power of attorney, and engage in meaningful conversations with loved ones. The Living Will Clinic at P. D. Hinduja Hospital guides individuals through this process, providing clear information, compassionate support, and the confidence to make informed decisions that honour their wishes and ease the burden on families during medical crises.

Mr. Gautam Khanna, CEO, P. D. Hinduja Hospital & MRC, said, “At P. D. Hinduja Hospital, we believe that healthcare should go beyond treatment and help individuals make informed decisions about their future health. With the launch of India’s first Living Will Clinic, we aim to empower individuals to take control of their future medical decisions with clarity and dignity. This clinic offers compassionate guidance to help people articulate their values and ensure those wishes are honoured, even when they cannot voice them. It is an extension of our commitment to a compassionate, ethical, and forward-thinking healthcare system."

Dr. Roop Gursahani, Section Head, Neurology, P. D. Hinduja Hospital & MRC, said, “Our healthcare system currently lacks preparedness for situations where patients are unable to communicate for themselves. In such cases, families are forced to make difficult decisions without knowing what their loved one would have wanted. The Living Will Clinic helps individuals in taking charge of their decisions in advance by explaining their options, documenting their wishes, and designating someone they trust to take the right decision on their behalf.”

Dr. Smriti Khanna, Consultant – Palliative Medicine, P. D. Hinduja Hospital & MRC said, “Conversations around end-of-life care are difficult but are an extremely essential part of advance care planning. We believe the living will process is at the core of personalised medicine, as it allows individuals to reflect deeply about what quality of life means to them and express their wishes clearly. Our goal at the clinic is to help people navigate through these decisions with sensitivity, keeping their values, beliefs, and comfort remain central to any future medical care they may receive.”

The launch of Living Will Clinic marks an important step in encouraging structured advance care planning in India. By providing individuals with the knowledge and resources to make informed decisions in advance, the clinic aims to reduce uncertainty during medical crises and promote care that is consistent with personal values and wishes. P. D. Hinduja Hospital & Medical Research Centre is committed to fostering such progressive initiatives that prioritize patient welfare and preparedness at the forefront of healthcare.