Campus Dwellers: Alone and Unaided in the Heart of Kalamassery Medical Campus

Within the confines of Kalamassery Medical Campus in Ernakulam district, a landscape devoid of homes, familial aid, and adequate healthcare resources, countless individuals endure profound hardships. Many, like Joshy, have been forsaken by their families following medical treatment, left without care or support.

Joshy himself, burdened by the aftermath of a severe accident, relies on makeshift cloth bandages to tend to his wounds, his survival overshadowing any hope for recovery amidst the makeshift shelters of broken sheets and cement benches.

Murukan, battling tuberculosis exacerbated by his demanding job conditions, chooses to remain within the confines of the medical campus. Estranged from his family, he contemplates seeking treatment if his condition deteriorate further.

Observing the worsening living conditions of the affected individuals, Mr. Murukan, the founder of the Theruvoram NGO, collaborated with the Secretary of the District Legal Service Authority and Sub Judge Ranjith Krishnan, V J Binoy from the Social Justice Department, and Brother Jose Njaliyath, Chairman of Mukanoor Thiruhridaya Sadanam Charitable, to initiate rescue missions aimed at providing assistance and rehabilitation to those in need.

Thiruhridaya Sadanam expressed willingness to provide care for Joshy, while Medical College Superintendent Doctor Ganesh Mohan undertook the treatment responsibilities for the other two patients. Murukan was promptly directed towards receiving specialized tuberculosis treatment, facilitated by the establishment of a dedicated medical board. Upon completion of his treatment, the Social Justice Department pledged to oversee his shelter arrangements. Similarly, Narayankutty, afflicted with leg injuries, was assured of receiving proper medical care before being transitioned to a shelter home for continued support.

Additional actions were undertaken to address the situation, including addressing the negligence of 65 security guards who failed to notice the individuals in need. It was noted that many of those found within the campus had previously received medical treatment but were subsequently abandoned by their families. To prevent unauthorized residency within the campus premises, the Superintendent of the Legal Service emphasized stricter measures to prevent outsiders from taking up residence, coordinating with medical authorities. Furthermore, reports detailing cases of abandonment were mandated to be submitted to the Social Justice Department for further action and assistance.

Mr. Murukan, the founder of Theruvoram NGO, raised concerns regarding the challenges faced by members of the organization and the inadequacy of funds available for conducting these rescue missions during discussions with the authorities.