A Mumbai-based private hospital has launched India's first weekly clinic to help patients and families prepare a 'living will' following a 2018 Supreme Court verdict recognising the same.

P D Hinduja Hospital & Medical Research Centre (MRC) in Mahim recently launched a ‘Living Will Clinic’, which it claimed to be a first-of-its-kind initiative in the country.

The hospital said the clinic will help patients with the preparation of legal documents to outline their preferences, ensuring they retain control over future healthcare decisions.

The clinic aims to improve public knowledge and encourage more people to prepare a living will.

What is a living will?

A living will is a legal document that lets a person state his/her wishes about medical treatment in case they become unable to communicate or make decisions due to illness or incapacity (such as being in a coma or suffering from advanced dementia).

People can specify whether or not they want to be resuscitated or be hooked up to a ventilator in case of any adverse development.