Interventions avert crisis at Free State government mortuary

By Staff Reporter

The Free State Department of Health has taken swift action to manage the situation at the Free State Government Mortuary following a prohibition notice issued by the Department of Labour on 18 October 2024.

“The department is responding as humanly and dignified as possible to the handling of the bodies that are due to be processed through the Government Mortuary,” said Mondli Mvambi, spokesperson for the Free State Department of Health. Measures have been put in place to ensure the dignified and efficient handling of bodies awaiting autopsies, with no disruption to services.

Before the prohibition notice, the mortuary had processed all the bodies that required autopsies. Since the notice, the department has arranged for all new cases to be handled at the Welkom Mortuary. Bodies from hospitals, accident scenes, and private undertakers are temporarily stored in a Forensic Pathology Truck stationed at the Free State Government Mortuary, which has capacity for more than 12 bodies. These bodies are then transported to and from Welkom by Forensic Pathology Officers and returned to the families through contracted private undertakers.

Contrary to public concern, there has been no crisis in Mangaung. Families have received the bodies of their loved ones after necessary autopsies were conducted. The department is working diligently to resolve the issues that led to the notice.

Key challenges identified include:

Electrical compliance: A contractor is on site addressing defects, including damage caused by vandalism, which resulted in the loss of copper from the air-conditioning and electrical systems.

Blocked sewer pipes: Plumbing services are addressing the unpleasant odour caused by blockages, while the Department of Public Works is assisting with repairs to the toilets.

Ventilation issues: Mobile air conditioners are being installed to resolve ventilation and extraction problems.

Structural safety: Engineers have assessed the facility and unblocked the drainage system.

Waste fridge replacement: Quotations have been sourced for the replacement of a malfunctioning waste fridge.

The Department of Health remains committed to resolving all issues promptly. Already, 18 forensic officers underwent medical surveillance between 1 and 13 September 2024, demonstrating the department’s proactive approach.

Ongoing efforts will ensure the facility maintains hygiene standards, with infection control measures and personal protective equipment (PPE) remaining priorities. The department is also addressing the psychosocial needs of its Forensic Pathology Officers, acknowledging the strain placed on them in the current financial climate marked by rising operational costs.

These measures underline the department’s commitment to public health, ensuring that the Free State Government Mortuary continues to function with integrity and efficiency during this challenging period.