BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
The National Referral Hospital (NRH) management is issuing a public call to relatives of the deceased to collect their loved ones’ bodies from the hospital morgue within 48 hours.
The Ministry of Health Medical Services (MHMS) issued the statement on Wednesday, August 27, 2025.
This urgent plea comes as the hospital faces an unprecedented increase in the number of bodies being stored, creating critical pressure on the facility’s limited mortuary space.
The MHMS statement said that NRH morgue remains the only available facility for the safekeeping of bodies awaiting repatriation, funeral arrangements, as well as those pending forensic examinations or post-mortems due to the absence of a funeral home in the city.
It further adds that there are 18 bodies being stored at once, far exceeding the morgue’s optimal capacity.
MHMS said this congestion is causing significant concern among hospital authorities, who are struggling to maintain hygienic and dignified conditions within the facility.
In response, NRH management is asking relatives to make arrangements for the prompt collection of deceased family members, ideally within 48 hours of their arrival at the morgue.
The MHMS said that the hospital is now considering activating a daily storage fee for bodies that remain uncollected beyond this time frame, in hopes of encouraging more timely retrievals and alleviating the strain on the morgue.
The statement said that the hospital administrators however acknowledge the difficulties such as financial constraints, travel logistics, and the need for legal or forensic clearances can impede the prompt collection of bodies during these times.
NRH management has expressed empathy for these challenges and affirms its willingness to work with families wherever possible to resolve outstanding issues.
The current situation highlights the urgent need for additional mortuary and funeral services in the city according to the MHMS.
The NRH morgue is facing mounting pressure, and the lack of alternatives is an ongoing concern for both the hospital and affected families as the only storage facility for deceased bodies.
The NRH management is urging community members, relevant authorities, and potential partners to consider long-term solutions, such as establishing a dedicated funeral home or expanding morgue capacity.
In the meantime, the hospital will maintain open communication with families and provide updates on any new policies or support services.
NRH management reiterates its commitment to ensure dignity and respect for the deceased, while balancing the operational realities of the hospital’s essential services.
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