Aruna Shanbaug's case is rare in medical history: Doctors

The case of Aruna Shanbaug, who was under treatment for 42 years at the King Edward Memorial (KEM) Hospital in Parel, shall go down as a historic case in the annals of medical records anywhere across the world, say doctors.

For a period of 42 years, an entire hospital became the custodian and guardian of the patient and took care of her for the whole period. So much was their involvement that when the Supreme Court was petitioned to consider administering euthanasia to her, the hospital vehemently opposed it and informed the court that they would take care of her as long as she was alive.

Dr Jayesh Lele, IMA president elect, Maharashtra, said, "Shanbaug's case was exceptional because she was in hospital and nurses took utmost care of her. Had it been any other hospital, this would have never been possible." He further said that Shanbaug's case should also be a wake-up call for the authorities to consider euthanasia as an option for patients who are in a vegetative state.

Dr Jalil Parkar, chest physician, Lilavati Hospital, said, "Doctors have different opinions with regard to this case — while some say her doctors did their best and kept her alive for 42 years, there were others who were against the life her doctors gave her. Her brain was damaged making her unable to state how she felt." He added that there was a need to introspect and see both sides of the story. "While some deemed her existence to be torturous, others defended her right to live," Parkar said.

"Every person has the right to live. This is a unique case which necessitates looking at different points of view. Her steel will power helped her fight and stay alive for 42 years. It is rare for such patients to survive this long. There is a medical book where we mention such cases. The staff has truly done a commendable job," said Dr TP Lahane, dean, Sir JJ group of hospitals.

Senior neurologist Dr Nirmal Surya, Bombay Hospital, said, "I have seen cases where such patients survive for five years. This is a contrasting case wherein the care taken was amazing. The love and affection helped Aruna survive this long."

In January 2011, the Supreme Court took up a euthanasia petition filed on Shanbaug's behalf by celebrity author and journalist Pinki Virani in December 2010. Though the apex court turned down Virani's petition in March 2011, in a landmark judgment it permitted 'passive euthanasia' by following guidelines framed bye the apex court.