HYDERABAD: People who handle dead bodies, including staff in mortuaries, do not get adequate safety gears. The only precaution provided to staff who assist with post mortems are gloves, masks and plastic apron. Many of them are worried of the pathogens and viruses that could still be active in the dead bodies brought to table.
Autopsies are performed at around 113 hospitals in the State. Health minister Dr C Laxma Reddy in April third week said that all mortuaries will be upgraded and more staff are likely to be recruited. Sources said that along with infrastructure, precautions have to be taken to protect staff from contracting infections.
“In fact, there are cases where workers in mortuary suffered from TB,”sources said. Experts said that apart from gloves and apron, staff have to be provided with gum boots, visers, special whole body disposal suits for handling hazardous cases. “Though we work at hospitals, there is no provision of regular health check-ups for us. The screening helps us to know in advance if we contracted any infection and prevent deterioration of out health.”
“Besides, immunisation against some conditions such as Hepatitis should be provided too ,” a mortuary staff personnel said.