Overview The State-run Trauma and Emergency Care Centre (TECC) , located on the Victoria Hospital campus, is facing an increasing number of cases involving elderly and critically-ill patients being brought in by individuals who later deny any familial connection. This trend highlights a growing issue of social neglect and the burden on public healthcare systems. Key Developments Increasing Patient Abandonment Hospital staff report that many patients are admitted with attendants claiming they found them abandoned on the streets. The medical team prioritizes immediate stabilization and treatment. Securing space in NGO-run old age homes after recovery is becoming increasingly difficult. Statistics and Scale Nearly 60 abandoned senior citizens have been shifted to shelters and old-age care facilities since January . The actual number may be higher, as families increasingly shift caregiving responsibility to the public healthcare system. Case Example On November 25 , a 61 -year-old man was brought in unconscious by a woman claiming to have found him at an NGO. He was diagnosed with pancytopenia , a serious condition characterized by reduced counts of all major blood cells. After stabilization, the woman denied any relationship with him, despite the patient's insistence that she is a family member. Hospital's Perspective Asima Banu , special officer (in charge) of TECC , stated that the staff routinely encounter such cases of abandonment. Families sometimes return after the patient's death to claim the body, after initially denying any connection. Referrals and Capacity Increasing referrals are coming from hospitals both within and outside Karnataka . Patients who exhaust their insurance and still require treatment are often referred to TECC . Police bring in several destitute persons daily, with at least five such admissions every day. TECC Infrastructure Commissioned in 2016 during the previous term of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah . The 120 -bed TECC was built at a cost of ₹35 crore . It houses four major operation theatres, five minor OTs, a 36 -bed ICU, a Cathlab, and CT scanning facility. The centre handles around 90,000 patients annually. It is among the few government hospitals providing adult diapers to all who need them. Future Developments An MRI facility will soon be operational. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has selected the TECC to host South India’s first Infectious Disease Research and Diagnostic Laboratory . UPSC Relevance This article highlights critical issues related to social justice, healthcare infrastructure, and ethical considerations in patient care. It is relevant for GS1 (Social Issues) , GS2 (Social Justice, Health) , and GS3 (Health Infrastructure) . The increasing trend of elderly abandonment reflects a breakdown in social support systems and raises questions about the state's responsibility in providing care for vulnerable populations. Key Takeaways for UPSC The case study of TECC illustrates the challenges faced by public healthcare institutions in managing social issues. The article underscores the need for comprehensive policies and support structures for senior citizens. The establishment of the Infectious Disease Research and Diagnostic Laboratory highlights advancements in healthcare infrastructure and research capabilities.