FORENSIC PATHOLOGY SERVICES EXPERIENCING HUGE PRESSURE DUE TO INCREASED NUMBER OF UNNATURAL DEATHS
The Limpopo Department of Health would like to advise members of the bereaved families to liase with our forensic pathology unit officials before finalising funeral dates This is as a result of the current pressure put on our forensic pathology services unit due to an increase number of unnatural deaths demanding autopsies to be performed in terms of the health act.
The department is currently inundated with daily calls from grieving families seeking the release of the remains of their loved once for burial purposes citing that arrangements have been finalized and funeral date cannot be changed because of costs involved.
MEC Ramathuba appeals for cooperation and understanding from bereaved families, emphasizing the importance of coordinating with the forensic pathology services unit before confirming burial dates.
“The current unfortunate situation has led to occasional tensions between bereaved families and the department which we do not want at all, especially given the timing. When people are mourning, ours must be to comfort them. Unnatural deaths are in their nature too traumatic psychological because they occurred suddenly, families are not prepared as compared to when someone is sick for a long time and postmortem delays unfortunately worsen the situation. We understand the emotional strain families experience during this waiting period. By working together, we can navigate these challenges more effectively,” stated MEC Ramathuba.
