Victoria’s landmark euthanasia program in demand, needs more medical practitioners

More terminally ill Victorians are becoming involved in the state’s landmark euthanasia program, resulting in this unforeseen problem.

More terminally ill Victorians are using the state government’s euthanasia program, leading to extra demand for doctors.

The number of confirmed deaths through Victoria’s landmark euthanasia program is rising as the scheme gains momentum, but the demand means more doctors are needed, according to the experts.

More than 18 months after the program was introduced in Victoria experts say the number of terminally ill Victorians applying for the medication was up 30 per cent, while those confirmed to have used the medication resulting in death had jumped 80 per cent when administered by a medical practitioner.

Overall, 281 people had medication dispensed to take at home with 184 taking it.

While medical professionals have now assisted in administering medication to 40 people by December 2020.

More terminally ill Victorians are using the program.

On average the age of people applying is 71-years of age, with applicants ages ranging from 20 to 100.

While 52 per cent were men and 47 per cent were female.

However, the data also revealed 32 per cent of people died before the medication could be dispensed.

Cancers, pulmonary diseases and neurodegenerative conditions were the main illness being suffered.

Voluntary Assisted Dying Review Board Chair Betty King said the scheme was working, but said more medical practitioners were needed.

“The number of medical practitioners who have undertaken the training, registered in the portal, and been involved in a voluntary assisted dying case continues to grow,” she said.

“However, there is opportunity for more medical practitioners to become involved in order to allow greater access for applicants across Victoria.”

It comes as other jurisdictions, namely New South Wales and South Australia are currently moving to introduce similar schemes.