Dept Health: Backlogs on autopsies due to rise in unnatural deaths
Health MEC Dr Phophi Ramathuba acknowledged tension between bereaved families in certain religious groups and assisting officers.
POLOKWANE – Pressure is mounting on the Health Department to seemingly clear a backlog of autopsies. This, they say, is as a result of a recent increase in unnatural deaths.
The department’s communication services released a statement on Wednesday, announcing that bereaved families should liaise actively with forensic pathologists before finalising funeral preparations, to avoid putting pressure on themselves and the provincial unit.
The department is currently inundated with daily calls from grieving families seeking the release of the remains of their loved ones for burial purposes. Some reported having finalised funeral arrangements only for the dates to be changed because of costs involved, the statement reads.
Meanwhile, Health MEC Dr Phophi Ramathuba acknowledged tension between bereaved families in certain religious groups and assisting officers, as for many there is a timeline within which bodies must be laid to rest.
“Unnatural deaths are by nature traumatic, as they occur suddenly. The families are not as prepared as, for example, in the case of a loved one that had been sick for a long time and then passes on. Unfortunately, post mortem delays worsen the situation. We understand the emotional strain families experience during this waiting period. By working together, we can navigate these challenges more effectively,” she remarked.
