With the aim of generating a space for analysis, awareness and guidance on end-of-life rights, the Specialized Health Unit of the Universidad Industrial de Santander, UISALUD, held the forum “Myths and realities of the right to die with dignity” on June 11, in the Luis Eduardo Lobo Mechanical Engineering lecture hall, located on the central campus of the UIS.
The activity, which was also transmitted virtually through the Zoom platform, brought together experts from different disciplines who addressed this right from ethical, legal and medical perspectives, providing a comprehensive look at a topic of growing relevance in the field of health and human rights.
The speakers were Dr. María Azucena Niño Tovar, Dr. Omar Fernando Gomezes Rivero, Professor Diego Hernando Hernández Velásquez and Dr. Felipe Andrés Suárez Becerra. The topics covered included ethical aspects of the right to die with dignity, definitions and fundamental concepts, the Colombian legal framework and the care route implemented by UISALUD.
One of the moments most valued by the attendees was the space for questions and interaction with the speakers, which allowed to broaden the debate and resolve specific concerns.
“It was a spectacular activity. I feel that these spaces are very necessary, because many times topics are discussed that as physicians we are not completely clear about, such as the legal framework and everything related to euthanasia or the dignified end of life. Having experts to resolve doubts in real time gives a very significant added value to the conference,” said Juan José Quintero, anesthesiology resident and participant in the forum.
Similarly, Dr. Cindy Dayana Méndez, a physician specializing in Palliative Care and a participant in the forum, emphasized that it was “a very enriching space, especially because it allowed us to clarify many doubts regarding a subject that continues to be complex and generates many concerns in both professionals and patients. It is very valuable that UISALUD promotes this type of event where we can talk clearly about the right to die with dignity and how it is regulated in our country.”
UISALUD extends its gratitude to all participants and reiterates its commitment to the promotion of academic and formative spaces that strengthen knowledge about health rights, promoting a more humane, ethical and respectful care of patients’ autonomy.
