Sri Vijaya Puram, October 10: Four of eight dead-body freezer boxes at G.B. Pant Hospital’s mortuary are reportedly non-functional, while a generator failure, prolonged storage of decomposed bodies and malfunctioning post-mortem equipment have raised concerns over hygiene, hospital conditions and the difficulties faced by bereaved families.
Bishnu Pada Ray, Member of Parliament, has written to the Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Health) of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration, seeking urgent corrective measures to address the deficiencies at the hospital’s mortuary and post-mortem facilities.
According to the letter, the mortuary has eight freezer boxes, but four are not working. Of the four remaining units, two are reportedly occupied by decomposed bodies that have been kept for an extended period, leaving only two functional boxes available for other deceased persons.
The letter states that bodies are consequently being shifted to the post-mortem facility at Ayush Hospital near the CRF barrack. With post-mortem cases increasing, families are reportedly facing difficulties in taking custody of bodies after the required formalities, which are said to be taking considerable time.
Ray also flagged concerns over the mortuary’s surroundings, where the retention of decomposed bodies and reported generator failures during power interruptions have allegedly caused foul smells to spread into nearby areas. The letter notes that the adjoining premises include wards and healthcare facilities serving tuberculosis patients, children and other patients, raising concerns about hygiene, sanitation and the comfort of patients, attendants, visitors and hospital staff.
The MP also cited complaints about post-mortem equipment, including the RPM post-mortem drill machine, which reportedly does not function properly, with its speed appearing excessively high.
According to the letter, doctors conducting post-mortem examinations have, in some cases, had to rely on manual instruments and traditional methods. This reportedly extends the procedure and raises concerns about the working conditions and safety of doctors and supporting staff involved in the examinations.
Ray has asked the Health Department to examine the deficiencies and take corrective measures at the earliest to reduce the hardship faced by bereaved families and medical personnel.
The concerns outlined in the letter have not been independently verified, and the communication does not specify whether the administration has initiated repairs or other remedial action.
