DNA Delays: The Emotional Toll on Grieving Families

The director of a funeral services company in Lautoka, Shelvin Rohit, has revealed that four bodies currently housed in the mortuary are pending the release of their DNA test results. This announcement follows a recent incident involving the family of a drowning victim, Vikash Vinay Raj, who endured a four-month wait for his DNA results before finally being able to conduct his funeral. The family incurred substantial costs during this period, amounting to $5,790 for the storage of Raj’s body at the mortuary.

Rohit stated that out of approximately 30 bodies at the mortuary, three awaiting DNA testing are adults, while one is a fetus. He highlighted that bodies stored for over eight days attract a daily fee of $67.50. Rohit expressed concern about the long waits some families experience, which can accumulate significant morgue fees; he noted the total expected cost for one body kept since late 2023 could reach $20,000.

Police spokeswoman Ana Naisoro confirmed that two of the bodies at the mortuary are fetuses, while the third belongs to a man found dead in Lautoka. Efforts are ongoing to locate his family for necessary forensic tests. The police manage the reimbursement process for families through invoices submitted for expenses incurred during the storage of bodies, which can lead to frustrating delays.

This situation sheds light on the emotional strain and delays families face while waiting for essential procedures like DNA testing to be completed. It emphasizes the need for better communication and efficiency from authorities to provide closure to grieving families. In these challenging times, the hope remains that streamlined processes can help ease the burdens placed on families, allowing them to honor their loved ones respectfully and without undue financial strain.

Overall, while the circumstances are troubling, this incident has sparked essential discussions about the efficiency of processes surrounding deceased individuals and care for grieving families, fostering a community understanding of the challenges and the urgency for improvements.