In heart-wrenching video, Pune doctor battling cancer seeks permission to die

Pune: In a heart-wrenching video, Bharat Maruthi Lote, a Pune-based doctor, has urged the authorities to allow him to end his life.

According to Mid-Day, Lote, who has been battling pancreatic cancer, has sought permission for euthanasia or mercy killing since he is unable to bear the pain and financial burden of his medical treatment.

The doctor has pleaded the authorities to consider his request as there is no other way out for him.

Lote's video appeal comes in the light of a bill for passive euthanasia - withdrawing medical support from a terminally-ill patient – proposed by the central government last year, which is yet to see the light of day. 

However, in rare circumstances, the government has allowed passive euthanasia on humanitarian grounds.

Dr Lote, a medical officer in the state health department in Chiplun taluqa, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in March. The family immediately began treatment at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital in Pune, but the prognosis was dire. 

Dr Lote has since undergone three surgeries, racking up medical bills of Rs 29 lakh. 

He and his wife Sangita had to mortgage their house and other valuables including jewellery to raise money needed for his surgeries so far. 

His wife also met with the officials of the state health department with a request to release his salary in advance, but there has been no response.

Since lenders have come asking for their money, Dr Lote finally decided to do what he thought would be an end to the troubles. 

In a video released by Sangita on June 8, the doctor pleaded for death, highlighting his family’s weak financial status and the health department’s alleged apathy.