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IN 'MAKE medical directive less intrusive for witnesses' last Monday, Mr Victor Gomez shared his experience in making an Advance Medical Directive (AMD) at a polyclinic and called for the process to be reviewed.
An AMD allows a person to make a decision, in advance, that he does not wish to be subject to extraordinary life-sustaining treatment to prolong the process of dying, in the event that he suffers from terminal illness and death is imminent.
The making of an AMD must be witnessed by two persons, both of whom must not stand to gain if the patient dies - a doctor serving as professional witness (to certify that the patient is of sound mind, understands the consequences of making the AMD, and is making the AMD voluntarily) and another adult witness (who is 21 years of age and above).
Certain personal information about these witnesses is therefore required, in case there is a need to contact the witnesses or to carry out any verification. More information on AMD is available at the MOH website www.moh.gov.sg
We thank Mr Gomez for his feedback and we certainly will look into how the process can be further simplified.
Karen Tan (Ms)
Director, Corporate Communications
Ministry of Health
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