The Oyo State government has issued a seven-day notice to relatives and next-of-kin of unclaimed bodies deposited in various public hospital mortuaries across the state to come forward for identification and claim, after which the bodies will be given a mass burial.
Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, noted a significant increase in the number of unclaimed bodies in public health facilities.
According to the commissioner, the bodies were brought to the facilities by the Nigeria Police Force, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigerian Correctional Service, and other relevant agencies.
She explained that over time, the bodies had remained unclaimed, resulting in congestion in the affected mortuaries, many of which had reached their storage capacities.
Ajetunmobi stated that in view of this development and the need to ensure the continued efficient operation of health facilities, the public, particularly individuals with missing relatives, were urged to visit the relevant public hospital mortuaries for the identification and claim of the bodies.
She further said arrangements were being finalised for the mass burial of unclaimed bodies in the next seven days.
The commissioner explained that the notice was intended to provide an opportunity for relatives and other concerned persons to claim the bodies.
She reiterated that the state government remains committed to maintaining acceptable public health standards and ensuring the effective management of healthcare facilities across the State.
(Ripples)