The Busia County Referral Hospital has announced plans to dispose of 38 unclaimed bodies that have been lying in the hospital mortuary for more than three years. In a statement issued by the hospital management, the move aims to decongest the facility’s morgue, which has exceeded its holding capacity due to prolonged storage of unclaimed remains. The hospital noted that the hospital morgue is overstretched, and they are unable to accommodate new cases. Hence, they appeal to members of the public to come forward and identify their loved ones before the disposal process is carried out
The facility has given families and relatives a final notice period to identify and claim the bodies before the disposal exercise begins. The process will be conducted in line with public health regulations, which permit the disposal of unclaimed bodies after an extended period to prevent health risks associated with overcrowded morgues.
County health officials indicated that the morgue has faced a growing backlog of unclaimed remains, often linked to abandoned hospital cases, road accidents, and police investigations whose next of kin could not be traced. The hospital emphasized that the planned disposal will be carried out respectfully and in accordance with established procedures, with the supervision of relevant county and public health authorities.
Residents are urged to visit the Busia County Referral Hospital mortuary for identification and collection arrangements before the deadline.
