MD affected person seeks permission to end life

Hyderabad, Jun 21 (UNI) The question of allowing euthanasia on medical grounds being hotly debated the world over, a Muscular Dystrophy affected patient has moved the State Human Rights Commission in Andhra Pradesh, for the first time in the country, seeking permission to end his life.

APSHRC Chairman B Subashan Reddy and member E Md Ismail, hearing the implead petition filed by Indian Association of Muscular Dystrophy (IAMD) supporting the mercy petition of Ramesh Babu who was dismissed from the Indian Air Force(IAF), today decided to give directions to the State Government to provide full pension to those suffering from the genetic disorder at the initial stage itself as it was a ''progressive and irreversible disorder.'' Muscular Dystrophy (MD)is a gentic disorder, which consumes every muscle fibre of the body. It manifests itself in more than 40 known types. People with MD have incorrect or missing information in their genes, which prevents them from making the proteins they need for healthy muscles.

Except in the Netherlands, there is no law allowing mercy killing at present.

Arguing the case of Ramesh Babu and other Muscular Dystrophy affected patients, who were unable to continue the battle against the disorder, IAMD National President Sanjana Goyal prayed for salary for the dismissed period and full pension to him as absence of disability-related law led to his discontinuation from service.

Taking up cudgels for MD patients, she pleaded with Justice Subashan Reddy for special laws, rules and regulations to address the peculiar needs of the affected persons and also medical, social and financial assistance.

The APSHRC Chairman adjourned hearing in the case to June 28.

UNI SM VA SLD NS1807