Elderly Parents Abandoned in Government Hospitals After Property Transfers; Government Takes Action
Bangalore, March 16 – In a heart-wrenching and alarming trend, elderly parents are being abandoned in government hospitals by their own children, often after transferring their property rights. This disturbing pattern has come to light following reports from the Belagavi Institute of Medical Sciences (BIMS), where over 150 cases of deserted senior citizens have been recorded. Similar incidents have been reported in other medical institutions across the state, with more than 100 cases documented.
A Disturbing Trend
During a recent review meeting at Vikasa Soudha, the director of BIMS brought this issue to the attention of Dr. Sharan Prakash Patil, the Minister of Medical Education and Skill Development. Shocked by the revelations, Dr. Patil immediately directed the Director of Medical Education (DME), Dr. BL Sujatha Rathod, to alert all medical institute heads and file complaints with assistant commissioners to take legal action against the responsible children.
The minister also called for the cancellation of wills and property transfers executed by abandoned parents in favor of their children. “This is a grave violation of human dignity and family values. We cannot allow such inhumane acts to go unpunished,” Dr. Patil said.
Shelter and Support for the Abandoned
Many of the abandoned elderly have shared that their children left them in hospitals, knowing they would receive basic necessities like food, clothing, and shelter. While some children cite financial difficulties, most cases involve elderly parents being deserted after transferring their properties.
To address the immediate needs of these seniors, BIMS authorities have arranged shelter for 70 elderly individuals in retirement homes around Belagavi. However, many others continue to remain in hospitals, awaiting support.
Legal Action Under the Senior Citizens Act
Dr. Patil emphasized the importance of the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, which mandates that children or relatives provide financial and medical support to elderly parents. “Many people are unaware of this law. It empowers parents to cancel property transfers if their children neglect or abandon them,” he explained.
Under Section 23 of the Act, if children fail to care for their parents after inheriting property, the law allows for the cancellation of wills or property transfers, restoring ownership to the elderly.
Government Steps In
With the rising number of such cases, the government is taking strict measures to ensure jus
tice for abandoned senior citizens. Dr. Patil has urged medical institute directors to file complaints promptly, ensuring that assistant commissioners take swift action under the law.
“We must protect our elderly citizens and hold those who abandon them accountable. This is not just a legal obligation but a moral one,” Dr. Patil stated.
As the government cracks down on this inhumane practice, the focus remains on providing care and dignity to the elderly while ensuring that their rights are upheld.
