Euthanasia should not be a priority: Dr. Sandeep Bhagat

Support for the Victorian government's controversial euthanasia bill is wavering. In its original form, the Victorian Government's controversial Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill would make terminally ill people with up to 12 months to live eligible for an assisted death but not all experts agree to this time span.

Euthanasia debate

Dr. Sandeep Bhagat Source: Supplied

Support for the Victorian government's controversial euthanasia bill is wavering.

In its original form, the Victorian Government's controversial Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill would make terminally ill people with up to 12 months to live eligible for an assisted death but not all experts agree to this time span.

Dr. Sandeep Bhagat of Melbourne says that doctors cannot predict death.

He told SBS Hindi, "No specialist can tell about the life span left in one’s life.  This is from my own experience in Palliative care career.

"I have seen around 15000 deaths and my seniors have seen deaths in hundred thousand. None of us can predict how long somebody would live.

"Whether it is 12 months or 3 months, I think, this is just an excuse to pass the bill."

Dr. Bhagat says that priority should be given to Palliative care funding.

He says, "This bill is proposed on the basis of a Parliamentary inquiry. 

"Out 66 points in recommendations, first 29 points were for improving the Palliative Care. There was only one recommendation that Physician-Assisted–Euthanasia could be considered.

"Our concern is that the priority is given to Euthanasia over Palliative care funding recommendation."

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2 min read

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Updated

By Anita Barar

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