The Kerala State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) Chairperson Justice Alexander Thomas has urged the state government to take a sympathetic decision on a recommendation by the Social Justice Department to establish at least one institution in every district to care for abandoned and destitute patients in hospitals.
Suo Motu Case on Abandoned Patients
The directive came in a case registered suo motu by the SHRC based on media reports highlighting the plight of patients being abandoned in government hospitals. The commission also called for expanding the 'Destitute Welfare Scheme' to all districts by extending grants to more voluntary organizations. This, it said, would help provide care and protection to those wandering on the streets as well as patients who are not taken back by their families even after recovery.
Directions Issued to Social Justice Department
Directions in this regard have been issued to the Secretary and Director of the Social Justice Department. The SHRC sought and reviewed a report from the Social Justice Department Director on the matter. According to the report, financial assistance is currently being provided to voluntary organizations under the scheme to support destitute individuals. Such institutions are presently functioning in Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, and Kozhikode districts, while a proposal has been submitted to the government to establish a similar facility in Kannur.
Shortage of Human Resources
The report further noted that due to a shortage of human resources, services remain limited in 16 government-run old-age homes and around 600 institutions under the Orphanage Control Board, particularly in caring for bedridden patients.
