Coma patient Harish Rana dies after withdrawal of life support

Harish Rana, a 31-year-old from Ghaziabad in Uttar Pradesh who had been in a coma for 13 years following a severe head injury, passed away after withdrawal of life support at AIIMS, New Delhi.
Harish Rana, a student of Panjab University, had suffered critical injuries in 2013 after falling from the fourth floor while playing. Since then, he had remained in a comatose state with no significant improvement in his condition.
His parents had approached the Supreme Court seeking permission to withdraw life-sustaining treatment, citing his prolonged suffering. The court, while allowing the plea, directed that the process be carried out in a humane manner, ensuring dignity, and instructed AIIMS, New Delhi to oversee the procedure under strict medical supervision. It also observed the need for the Centre to consider framing legislation on euthanasia.
Following the court’s order, Harish Rana was admitted to AIIMS, where he was placed under the care of a specialised medical team. The withdrawal of life support was carried out in a phased manner in the palliative care unit, with continuous monitoring by doctors.
He died around 10 days after life support was withdrawn. The case has drawn attention to the ethical and legal aspects surrounding end-of-life care in the country.