The Supreme Court's ruling that terminally ill patients have the right to a dignified death has been carried out by the Karnataka Health Department. The coverage covers those on life support who have terminal conditions or have little possibility of recovery.

Under the new rules, each case will go through a two-step medical review. First, a primary board of three doctors will evaluate the patient’s condition. Then, a secondary board—consisting of three doctors along with one government-appointed doctor—will review their findings. After this, the final report will be sent to the court. Life support will be removed under medical supervision and the patient will be allowed to die peacefully if the court gives its approval. Only after a request from the family does the procedure start.

The action comes after the Supreme Court's emphasis on preventing people with irreversible diseases from suffering for an extended period of time. Taking to X, Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said, "This will immensely benefit those who are terminally ill with no hope of recovery, or are in a persistent vegetative state, and where the patient no longer benefits from life-sustaining treatment.” 

The Health Minister further added, “We have also come out with an Advance Medical Directive (AMD), or a living will, in which a patient can record their wishes for their medical treatment in the future. This important step will bring great relief and a dignified sense of closure to many families and individuals."