THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Why is the functioning of the mortuary at the Medical College Hospital not yet in full swing? That was the question posed by the Kerala State Human Rights Commission to the authorities of MCH, Thiruvananthapuram.
Acting on a complaint from social activist P K Raju, Commission acting chairperson P Mohanadas issued notices to the principal and superintendent of MCH.
The Commission has asked authorities to submit an explanation within two weeks. The case will come up for further hearing on February 21.
In his complaint, Raju pointed out that the mortuary at MCH is divided into three wings - A, B and C - each having the facility to store up to six dead bodies. The complainant alleged that the freezer at the C wing is totally dysfunctional.
While the freezer in A wing is partially functional, only the B-wing is functioning round the clock, he said.
The mortuary is supposed to preserve dead bodies for more than 15 days in case no one claims them.
Bodies of the accident victims are also stored in the same facility. Though work on a new mortuary began years ago, it has not yet been completed. Keeping dead bodies in such conditions amount to insulting them, the complainant said.