Palliative care and euthanasia: A Nepalese scenario.

Abstract

Palliative care, namely the relief of pain, is a priority for cases of incurable diseases in Nepal. However, since oral morphine is not available, pain control is often inadequate. Euthanasia is not permissible by law but could be a better solution in some cases and should be made understandable to patients and physicians as in developed countries. Should euthanasia be legal? If cheap and effective palliative care were easily accessible, most terminally ill Nepalese would avoid pressure to practise euthanasia because it is a cheaper option.