Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

‘Details are important in assisted dying bill debate’

‘Details are important in assisted dying bill debate’

THIS week, a public consultation on a proposed law to legalise assisted dying in Scotland will be launched in the Scottish parliament.

As presented, the law would allow terminally ill people to access medication to end their own lives. Two doctors would be required to confirm that all safeguards were met, including mental competence.


Assisted dying would only be an option for people who have lived in Scotland for at least a year. It would be the first country in the UK to remove the blanket ban on such an end-of-life choice.

Dr Sandesh Dr Sandesh Gulhane

As a doctor, an MSP and a Hindu, where do I stand on this important matter?

I am supportive of the principles behind assisted dying legislation and welcome this important consultation which is aimed at allowing very sick people to die with dignity.

That said, I have reservations and have not yet reached a final decision on whether to back the proposed law as it stands or not. There are practical issues that must be addressed before I can support it – for example, who are the doctors allowed to make the decision?

The only certainty in life is that at some stage, people will die. It is essential we have an open and honest discussion about what our wishes are, but also that the best care is available in those circumstances so we can have dignity in dying.

Whatever happens with this bill, however, we still need to have much more investment in palliative care in Scotland to create a worldclass service – which I will continue to fight for.

In terms of my stance as a doctor, last week the British Medical Association (BMA), which represents 150,000 medics, voted to drop its opposition to assisted dying legislation and adopted a neutral stance.

As for my religious beliefs and any support for assisted dying, I see no conflict. For me, Hinduism is a personal religion and I think my stance fits with my faith and beliefs when it comes to death and dying.

I do not think I should be pushing my beliefs onto others and feel everybody has a right to make their own decisions. Everybody deserves dignity in life and also dignity in death.

I understand from campaign groups that a majority of Scots are in favour of introducing an assisted dying law and will now have their chance to speak out as part of a three-month public consultation before being considered by the Scottish parliament next year. I would urge everyone reading this to input into this process.

The public consultation will also present evidence from overseas, with examples on how palliative care has actually flourished in places where assisted dying was available.

This assisted dying Scotland bill will be the third attempt to pass such legislation after debates in 2014 and 2015. The previous bill was rejected by 82 votes to 36. Meanwhile, in the UK’s House of Lords, a private member’s bill to legalise assisted dying is due to have its second reading in October.

I have sympathy with replacing the current ban on assisted dying with a new law allowing people the compassionate choice to avoid a prolonged, painful death. But details are important; that we consider all potential loopholes for abuse or conflict and that is why I will not know how I will vote until I read the legislation.

Dr Sandesh Gulhane is the first Hindu and first man of Indian descent to be elected to the Scottish parliament, becoming MSP in May 2021. He has been an NHS doctor for 15 years and still works as a GP one day a week. Last Thursday (16), he was appointed shadow cabinet secretary for health and social care for the Scottish Conservatives, the largest opposition party in Holyrood. The views expressed in this op-ed are his own.

More For You

Comment: Ramadan’s message of unity, charity, and faith can inspire us all

Nigel Huddleston

Comment: Ramadan’s message of unity, charity, and faith can inspire us all

Nigel Huddleston

RAMADAN is a unique and special time for Muslims in Britain and across the world. It is a time to reflect on and renew their faith, through devotion and spirituality, while fulfilling the five pillars of Islam.

During this hugely important time of prayer and fasting, the message of Ramadan is one we can all relate to – especially the importance of charity and compassion. These core values at the heart of Islamic faith are the very same values that those of all faiths or none can aspire to.

Keep ReadingShow less
Comment: ‘UK’s multicultural identity owes much to south Asians’

Lord Kamlesh Patel of Bradford, chair of the project; Vikram Doraiswami, India’s high commissioner to the UK; Lord Navnit Dholakia, former deputy leader of the Liberal Democrats; and Professor Mark Smith, vice-chancellor of the University of Southampton, at the launch of the Ramniklal Solanki Pioneers Project in July 2024

Comment: ‘UK’s multicultural identity owes much to south Asians’

Sabu S Padmadas

IN 1951, Sardar Harnam Singh Roudh arrived by himself to England from Punjab, carrying only a suitcase of clothes and £3 in his pocket.

His legacy as a pioneer is best remembered for his compassionate leadership and selfless service in uniting people from diverse backgrounds, while championing the local Sikh community to thrive in a multicultural Britain.

Keep ReadingShow less
Viras’ book 'Art Under the Indian Sun' dives into artistic legacies of Raj

Jennifer Howes, Ratna Vira and Sona Datta

Viras’ book 'Art Under the Indian Sun' dives into artistic legacies of Raj

Dr Sona Datta

ON A crisp evening before Christmas, I found myself at the Traveller’s Club in London’s posh Pall Mall.

Like other anachronisms of old England, this particular place doesn’t permit unaccompanied women. So, Jennifer Howes (an expat Canadian) and me (a British-born Bengali) arrived as two arch Indophiles, sporting silk scarves and lipstick, for an author-talk at the invitation of the Indian High Commissioner, Vikram Doraiswami.

Keep ReadingShow less
Russia's 'Ghost Fleet': Navigating the Murky Waters of Sanctions and Oil Transport

Russia's 'Ghost Fleet': Navigating the Murky Waters of Sanctions and Oil Transport

In the wake of stringent Western sanctions aimed at curbing Russia's oil revenues, a clandestine network of aging tankers, dubbed the "ghost fleet," has emerged as a pivotal player in global oil transportation. This fleet operates under a veil of secrecy, employing tactics designed to circumvent international restrictions. While effective in sustaining Russia's oil exports, the ghost fleet introduces a host of challenges and risks to the global oil market.

The Genesis of the Ghost Fleet

Keep ReadingShow less
Aga Khan IV tribute: ‘Life defined by service to humanity

His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV and Lord Tariq Ahmad

Aga Khan IV tribute: ‘Life defined by service to humanity

Lord Tariq Ahmad

LAST Tuesday (4), I learned of the sad news of the passing of an incredible humanitarian, scholar and religious leader, who inspired and brought hope to millions – His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, the Imam of the Ismaili Muslims. (To god we belong, to god we shall return).

He was a global leader renowned for his contribution to humanitarian work, development and the promotion of pluralism, religious coexistence and was a guardian of cultural heritage. Prince Karim Aga Khan studied in Switzerland and later at Harvard University, where he earned a degree in Islamic history in 1959. His studies provided him with a deep understanding of his faith and global affairs, shaping his leadership and vision for his community and his service to humanitarian causes.

Keep ReadingShow less