Funds cleared as MMC moves to reduce pile-up
MARGAO
The government has stepped in to address the crisis surrounding the disposal of unclaimed bodies at the Hospicio South Goa District Hospital mortuary, even as the Margao Municipal Council (MMC) cleared a backlog by disposing of 10 bodies on Wednesday, bringing relief to hospital authorities.
According to an order issued by Margao Municipal Chief Officer Madhu Narvekar, the civic body will dispose of another 10 unclaimed bodies on Thursday, ahead of Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. During this period, burial services are typically suspended by Church authorities, and families often prefer to preserve mortal remains at the government-run Hospicio mortuary.
The government intervention comes amid a dispute over pending payments to the MMC. Acting on the issue, Joint Secretary (Budget) Dr Pranab G Bhat has authorised the South Goa Collector to immediately release the required funds, as per norms, to enable the expeditious disposal of unclaimed bodies.
“It has been brought to my notice that several unclaimed bodies are lying in the mortuary of the South Goa District Hospital due to non-disposal by the Margao Municipal Council for lack of payment from the South Goa District Collectorate,” Dr Bhat stated in his communication while issuing the directive.
The MMC had earlier halted the disposal of unclaimed bodies, citing non-payment of dues by the Collectorate. The civic body has maintained that the district administration owes it approximately Rs 15 lakh towards expenses incurred for handling and disposing of such bodies.
With funds now expected to be released, authorities hope to streamline the process and prevent further accumulation at the mortuary.
