Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals Launches India’s First Dedicated Living Will & Advance Medical Directives Clinic

Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi, has launched a pioneering Living Will and Advance Medical Directives Clinic — the first of its kind in India — designed to empower individuals to make informed choices about their healthcare.

The clinic provides structured support in Advance Care Planning (ACP), guiding patients and families to record treatment preferences, nominate trusted representatives, and ensure that medical care reflects personal values, even when patients are unable to communicate their wishes. Services include personalized consultations, facilitated family discussions, legal documentation guidance, and assistance in preparing a living will or advance medical directive. Both documents are legally recognized and safeguard patient autonomy.

The initiative is led by Dr. (Prof.) Sushma Bhatnagar, Clinical Lead and Senior Consultant, Pain, Palliative Medicine & Supportive Care, supported by Dr. Ipsita Pati, Attending Consultant in the same specialty at Apollo Indraprastha Hospitals. Together, they bring extensive expertise in palliative care, pain management, and end-of-life decision-making.

Speaking at the launch, Dr. Bhatnagar said, “Healthcare is not only about treating illness but also about honouring dignity, autonomy, and values. Too often, families face uncertainty during crises, unsure of their loved one’s wishes. This clinic bridges that gap, empowering patients to document their choices, giving families peace of mind, and enabling doctors to act with confidence in alignment with both ethics and patient preferences.”

With this launch, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals reinforces its commitment to holistic, patient-centred care, setting a new benchmark for ethical and value-driven healthcare in India.