Cancer-Stricken Man Seeks Nod For 'Mercy Killing'

Sambalpur: A rickshaw puller from Sambalpur town, suffering from brain cancer for the last eight months, has sought the District Collector's permission for euthanasia.

Tired of the unbearable pain and his inability to bear the expensive treatment, the patient's wife, on Tuesday met the District Collector Samarth Verma and submitted a hand written petition requesting for 'mercy killing'.

"My husband, Hadu Pattnaik used to pull rickshaw for a living. I work as domestic help and earn very little. My younger son died four years back due to jaundice and his three children stay with us," said Rima, the patient's wife.

The letter said that Hadu was taken to VIMSAR in Burla for treatment but the hospital authorities returned him saying that he cannot be treated there.

"My husband does not want to live anymore. Half of his body has decayed. Therefore, I request that he be granted justice and allowed euthanasia," she pleaded.

"My wife is the only earning member and it's getting difficult for us to sustain the family. I want to get rid of this pain and do not wish to live anymore," said Hadu expressing his desire for euthanasia.

Meanwhile, the district Collector has assured Rs 30,000 from Red Cross funds.

"I have discussed the matter with the director of VIMSAR and soon a doctor will be sent to the patient's house to assess his condition. If there is any chance of his survival, all possible steps will be taken for his treatment," informed Verma.

It may be noted that the Supreme Court on March 9, legalized passive euthanasia and allowed ‘living will’ to terminally-ill patients.