Andhra Pradesh Issues Guidelines for Withdrawal of Life Support – Supreme Court‑Backed Right to Die (2026)

Overview The Andhra Pradesh government, following the Supreme Court ’s 2018 judgment that the right to die with dignity is a fundamental right under Article 21 , has issued detailed guidelines for withdrawing life‑support in terminally ill patients. The guidelines were approved on July 8, 2026 by Minister for Health, Medical and Family Welfare Satya Kumar Yadav after consultations with senior officials. Key Developments Creation of a structured procedure for withdrawal of life‑sustaining treatment. Mandatory verification of an Advance Medical Directive before any action. Formation of Primary Medical Board and Secondary Medical Board for each case. Clear role for guardians, next‑of‑kin, and nominated persons, with a legal recourse to the High Court if boards disagree. Designation of senior officials — Director of Medical Education A. Vishnu Vardhan, Director of Secondary Health K.V.N. Chakradhar, and District Medical and Health Officers (DMHOs) — to supervise implementation. Important Facts • An Advance Medical Directive must be signed in the presence of two independent witnesses and attested before a Notary or Gazetted Officer. A copy is lodged with the local authority, which appoints a custodian. • If no directive exists, the Primary Board discusses the case with the family physician (if any) and the patient’s guardian or next friend, outlining pros and cons of withdrawal. • Written consent from the guardian is required before the Primary Board forwards its opinion to the Secondary Board. • Disagreement between the boards can be appealed to the High Court by the nominated person or guardian. UPSC Relevance The guidelines illustrate the practical application of constitutional rights (Article 21) in health policy, a frequent topic in GS2: Polity . Understanding the procedural safeguards — such as the role of medical boards, advance directives, and judicial oversight — helps aspirants answer questions on health‑care ethics, legal frameworks, and the balance between individual autonomy and state responsibility. Way Forward • States should replicate the guideline model to ensure uniformity across India. • Public awareness campaigns on drafting Advance Medical Directives can reduce confusion at the bedside. • Continuous training for doctors on ethical decision‑making and legal obligations will strengthen compliance. • Periodic review by the health department and judicial bodies will keep the process transparent and patient‑centred.