Cancel wills, property transfers if kids abandon parents in govt hospitals: Karnataka Minister Sharan Patil

Bengaluru: Medical Education Minister Sharan Prakash Patil on Sunday called for the cancellation of wills and property transfers in cases where elderly parents are abandoned in government hospitals by their children.

Authorities have uncovered what they describe as a "shocking and inhumane trend," with hundreds of elderly individuals being left in government medical college hospitals — often after transferring their property rights to their children.

More than 150 such cases were reported at the Belagavi Institute of Medical Sciences (BIMS) alone, with over 100 similar cases recorded in other medical institutions across the state, according to a statement from Patil's office.

The issue was brought to Patil's attention by the BIMS director at a recent review meeting in Bengaluru.

In response, Patil instructed the Director of Medical Education, Dr BL Sujatha Rathod, to direct all institute heads to file complaints with the assistant commissioners.

Many abandoned parents stated that their children deserted them in hospitals, knowing they would receive food, clothing and shelter. "While some cite economic hardships, most cases involve elderly individuals being left behind after transferring their properties to their children," the statement noted.

BIMS authorities have arranged shelter in retirement homes in and around Belagavi for 70 abandoned senior citizens, while many others still remain in hospitals.

Legal action

Patil stressed that medical institute directors must file complaints to ensure that assistant commissioners take action under the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007.

"Many people are unaware of this law, which mandates that children or relatives must provide financial and medical support to senior citizens. If they fail to do so, parents have the legal right to cancel property transfers made in favour of their children," he stated.

Under Section 23 of this act, if children neglect or abandon their parents after inheriting property, the law allows the cancellation of wills or property transfers, restoring ownership to the elderly parents.

Radha S Murthy, Managing Trustee of the Bengaluru-based Nightingale Medical Trust, pointed out that many children prefer to abandon their parents in government hospitals because of the "simpler" documentation. Parents may also be more receptive to hospitalisation, believing that their children care about their health. In contrast, they often resist moving to old age homes due to the stigma attached, she noted.

While hospitals provide medical attention, old age homes offer only basic necessities like shelter, food and clothing, and often fall short in providing adequate care, particularly for residents with dementia or mental health issues, she explained.

According to Murthy, the 2007 act mandates children to care for their elderly parents but implementation challenges persist.