Kerala's Call for Compassion: Establishing Care Units for Abandoned Patients

The Kerala Human Rights Commission has urged the state to establish care facilities for abandoned hospital patients in each district. Justice Alexander Thomas advocated expanding the destitute welfare scheme and increasing support for NGOs to aid vulnerable individuals. Current efforts face staffing challenges despite existing institutions and grants.

On Tuesday, the Kerala Human Rights Commission called for a compassionate approach by the state to establish facilities for patients abandoned in hospitals. The recommendation, from the Social Justice Department, seeks at least one care institution per district.

Justice Alexander Thomas, the Commission Chairperson, emphasized the need to expand the 'destitute welfare' scheme to support more vulnerable individuals, including those left on streets and unattended by families post-recovery. This move follows media reports highlighting the plight of deserted patients.

Currently, the scheme provides grants to NGOs in districts like Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, and Kozhikode, with plans to extend to Kannur. Despite initiatives, a shortage of human resources in existing facilities poses service limitations.