A debate has emerged within the medical community after Dr. S.P. Kalantri, Head of Medicine at the Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (MGIMS) in Maharashtra’s Wardha has raised concerns over reports that legendary singer Asha Bhosle received CPR before being declared dead.
On April 12, Dr. Kalantri wrote on X that he found it “distressing” that CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, was reportedly performed. “A life of such music and grace deserves a dignified farewell, not the trauma of futile ICU rituals. True care means knowing when not to use machines. Sometimes, the deepest act of respect is letting go and allowing a soul to depart in peace (sic),” read his post.
He added, “Reports that Asha Bhosle received CPR are distressing. I truly hope they are untrue. A life of such music and grace deserves a dignified farewell, not the trauma of futile ICU rituals. True care means knowing when not to use machines. Sometimes, the deepest act of respect is letting go and allowing a soul to depart in peace.”
Responding to this, Dr. R.V. Asokan, IMA Past National President said, “CPR is a dignified procedure, It doesn’t form part of the intrusive process like ventilation etc. When in the edge of life in that twilight zone everyone deserves a decent chance , It is the physician’s discretion . This is entirely an inside profession matter.”
The remarks sparked reactions from several doctors, many of whom argued that physicians are expected to do everything possible to revive a patient.
Bhosle, 92, was declared dead due to cardiac arrest following multi-organ failure at Breach Candy Hospital. She had been admitted a day earlier with a severe chest infection and exhaustion.
