Thiruvananthapuram: Raising concern over patients being abandoned in hospitals, the Kerala State Human Rights Commission on Tuesday directed the state government to consider establishing at least one dedicated care facility in every district for such vulnerable individuals.

The directive was issued by Commission Chairperson Justice Alexander Thomas while hearing a case registered suo motu based on media reports highlighting instances of patients being deserted in government hospitals and left without care.

The Commission urged authorities to take a “sympathetic decision” on a recommendation made by the Social Justice Department to create district-level institutions for patients who are abandoned or not taken back by their families even after recovery.

It also called for expanding the “destitute welfare” scheme across all districts by extending financial support to more voluntary organisations that can care for vulnerable groups, including those found wandering on the streets.

Instructions in this regard have been issued to the Secretary and Director of the Kerala Social Justice Department, according to an official statement.

A report submitted by the department noted that grants are already being provided to voluntary organisations under the scheme. At present, such institutions are operational in Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam and Kozhikode districts, while a proposal has been made to establish a similar facility in Kannur.

The report further highlighted structural challenges in expanding care services, stating that while there are 16 government-run old age homes and around 600 institutions under the Kerala Orphanage Control Board, a shortage of adequate human resources to care for bedridden patients continues to limit their capacity.