The story of the three unclaimed bodies at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital mortuary in Suva raises many questions.
Yesterday, the Shree Sanatan Dharam Pratinidhi Sabha of Fiji organized final rites for the three bodies at the Vatuwaqa crematorium in Suva. Dr. Luke Nasedra, Medical Superintendent at CWM Hospital, confirmed that the three bodies had been in the mortuary for the past two to three years. Despite efforts over the years, no one came forward to claim them.
Dr. Nasedra mentioned that the hospital had informed the Solicitor-General’s office through the permanent secretary of Health about the unclaimed bodies, and approval was given for their funeral and final rites. The Shree Sanatan Dharam Pratinidhi Sabha of Fiji then came forward to act as guardians for the three bodies.
Attention is now being drawn to the increase in the number of unclaimed bodies at the mortuary. Sanatan Fiji national president Dhirendra Nand expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Health for allowing the organization to perform the final rites, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that there are no unclaimed bodies in mortuaries.
“This is my plea to all the young people and to the community, to please fulfill your moral duty to society,” he said.
The situation highlights a broader societal issue. It is unfortunate that the three bodies went unclaimed. This scenario should prompt us to consider whether we are failing to uphold the value of relationships and life. The three deceased individuals were likely loved and valued at some point in their lives, and it is poignant to think about their final unclaimed days.
This issue calls for a societal reflection on how we treat one another and the respect we afford to the deceased. There is a need to ensure every person, regardless of their life circumstances, is given dignity and respect in their final moments.
We discuss this issue today with the hope of encouraging everyone to work towards providing proper closure for those who pass away. Compassion and empathy are essential, and organizations like the Shree Sanatan Dharam Pratinidhi Sabha of Fiji exemplify how civil society can fill the gaps in the system, ensuring no one is forgotten, even in death.
This story serves as a reminder of our collective duty towards the deceased, urging action to address the issue of unclaimed bodies in mortuaries.