The ongoing issue of morgue overcrowding has been highlighted by Dr. Jemesa Tudravu, permanent secretary for Health and Medical Services, who noted that the relocation of corpses to alternative health facilities is not exclusively a problem in the Western Division, as similar situations have been observed in Suva. This practice generally arises from overcrowding within mortuaries and can be triggered by a rise in the number of deaths, delays in burial arrangements by families, or malfunctions in morgue units.
Dr. Tudravu explained that in times of high capacity, families may be allowed to transport their deceased relatives to other facilities, such as those in Nadi or surrounding areas, ensuring safe holding until burial can be arranged. He emphasized the importance of maintaining functional morgue services across various locations, including facilities managed privately—such as the CWM Hospital in Suva and the operations in Lautoka.
The issue of overcrowded morgues isn’t new, as seen in past reports concerning the Savusavu hospital facing operational challenges, where a malfunctioning morgue unit significantly reduced capacity. This has caused emotional stress for families, who are left to arrange transportation to further facilities at their own expense, stressing the urgent need for improved healthcare infrastructure.
A broader societal reflection is crucial as Fijians debate the need for adequate funeral facilities to prevent similar challenges in the future. Addressing these issues can foster a supportive environment for families during their times of grief. The hope is for collaborative efforts involving the Ministry of Health and community organizations to ensure that adequate resources and infrastructure are available for dignified handling of the deceased. Investing efforts into enhancing these systems can pave the way for a more compassionate response to mortality and the needs of families in mourning.
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