Bula
The main headline on the front page of The Fiji Times for Monday, July 8 features Members of Parliament from the former FijiFirst party who have shifted their allegiance to Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.
In another notable story, three bodies that were unclaimed at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital mortuary in Suva have raised significant questions. On Sunday, the Shree Sanatan Dharam Pratinidhi Sabha of Fiji organized the final rites for the three bodies at the Vatuwaqa crematorium in Suva.
Dr. Luke Nasedra, Medical Superintendent of CWM Hospital, confirmed that the bodies had been in the morgue for two to three years without anyone coming forward to claim them. The hospital eventually informed the Solicitor-General’s office through the permanent secretary of Health. Upon approval, the final rites were arranged, with Shree Sanatan Dharam Pratinidhi Sabha of Fiji stepping in as guardians of the bodies.
Dr. Nasedra also noted an increase in the number of unclaimed bodies at the mortuary. Dhirendra Nand, national president of Sanatan Fiji, thanked the Ministry of Health for allowing the final rites to proceed, emphasizing the importance of ensuring no bodies remain unclaimed in any mortuary.
Nand urged young people and the community to fulfill their moral duties to society. This situation underscores the need for societal reflection, as it is tragic that these three individuals were not claimed and shows the importance of valuing each other and maintaining relationships.
This instance highlights the necessity for dignity and respect in life and death, urging us to re-evaluate our societal values. Organizations like the Shree Sanatan Dharam Pratinidhi Sabha demonstrate how civil society can contribute to addressing such issues.
The story serves as a reminder of our collective duty to the deceased, calling for action to address the problem of unclaimed bodies in mortuaries, fostering compassion and empathy in the process.