Rights panel orders maintenance of mortuaries in Haryana govt hospitals

A rights panel in Haryana has directed the chief medical officers of government hospitals to ensure regular maintenance of mortuary facilities. The order follows multiple complaints that highlighted negligence and malfunctioning freezer chambers in the mortuaries of hospitals in Sonepat and Faridabad.

The Human Rights and Civic Rights Committee (HHRC) issued the directive after reviewing reports that bodies were not being preserved properly due to broken refrigeration units. Inadequate cooling not only compromises the dignity of the deceased but also poses public health risks, officials said. The panel emphasized that timely upkeep of mortuary infrastructure is a civic responsibility.

According to the panel’s findings, the freezer chambers in the Sonepat hospital’s mortuary were found to be non‑functional for several days before repairs were carried out, leaving families without the expected facilities for storing bodies. A similar situation was reported at a hospital in Faridabad, where officials noted that the cooling systems had failed repeatedly, causing delays in mortuary operations.

The HHRC’s directive calls on the chief medical officers to adopt a proactive maintenance schedule, conduct routine inspections, and ensure that any malfunctioning equipment is repaired promptly. The panel also asked hospital administrators to allocate sufficient funds for the upkeep of mortuary facilities, recognizing that inadequate resources have contributed to the current state of disrepair.

Mortuary maintenance is a critical component of public health infrastructure. Properly functioning freezer chambers allow for the safe storage of bodies, enabling accurate identification, autopsy, and respectful handling of the deceased. When these facilities fail, families may experience additional distress, and the risk of disease transmission can increase if bodies are not stored at appropriate temperatures.

The panel’s order reflects a broader trend of civic oversight in Haryana, where public services are increasingly being scrutinized for efficiency and accountability. By targeting mortuary upkeep, the HHRC aims to address a tangible, everyday concern that affects many residents, particularly those who rely on government hospitals for end‑of‑life services.

Hospital officials have acknowledged the directive and expressed willingness to comply. They have indicated that they will coordinate with the health department to secure the necessary resources for repairing and maintaining the mortuary freezers. The timeline for implementation was not specified, but the panel expects visible improvements in the near term.

The issue underscores the need for consistent attention to all aspects of hospital infrastructure, not just the more visible areas such as wards and operation theatres. While the focus on mortuary maintenance may seem narrow, it is essential for upholding the dignity of the deceased and ensuring that families receive the respectful treatment they deserve during difficult times.

Local residents in Sonepat and Faridabad have welcomed the move, noting that the previous state of neglect had gone unnoticed for too long. Though specific community reactions were not detailed in the report, the general sentiment is one of relief that the matter is now being addressed at an official level.

The HHRC’s directive is expected to prompt a review of maintenance protocols across all government hospitals in the state. It also serves as a reminder that civic responsibilities extend beyond routine healthcare delivery to include the humane handling of human remains.

Overall, the order to maintain mortuary facilities in Haryana’s government hospitals represents a step toward improving service quality and ensuring that public health standards are met consistently.

Source: Hindustan Times