GOROKA HOSPITAL MORGUE FILLED BEYOND CAPACITY

CAPTION: Unclaimed Bodies at the Goroka Provincial Specialist Hospital in Goroka. Picture supplied by the EHPHA Media Unit

BY VICKY BAUNKE, Goroka

At least 22 bodies remain unclaimed at the Goroka Provincial Specialist Hospital, some lying in the morgue for more than six months, a situation that is now placing serious strain on the facility.

Eastern Highlands Provincal Health Authority CEO Dr Pomuso Warima’s office has issued an urgent request to the relatives in the province to visit the morgue and claim the bodies.

Goroka Provincial Specialist Hospital Manager Dr Joseph Kuk said the Goroka Hospital Morgue is at full capacity and bodies have been left at the morgue and no relatives have come forward to claim the bodies or make arrangements for identification or burial.

According to the officer in charge of the Goroka Hospital morgue Mr Konsy Akore the morgue is designed to hold up to 100 bodies, but prolonged delays in collection have made it increasingly difficult for staff to manage incoming cases.

Mr Akore stated that the the morgue has reached full capacity, leaving little to no space to accommodate new bodies.

He explained that among those unclaimed bodies are infants and amputated body parts, highlighting the sensitive and urgent nature of the situation.

“We are appealing to families and relatives to come forward, identify their loved ones, and give them a dignified burial,” says Mr Akore.

In response to the growing concern, the hospital has issued a 14-day notice for all unclaimed bodies to be collected. After this period, authorities say a mass burial will be carried out for those still left unclaimed.

The hospital is urging the public to act swiftly, stressing that every individual deserves to be laid to rest with respect and dignity.