Chatra Sadar Hospital Mortuary Freezer Remains Defunct, Creating Health Hazard
The mortuary deep freezer at Chatra Sadar Hospital has been out of order for several days, compelling hospital staff to store corpses without any refrigeration. This alarming situation has resulted in a pervasive foul smell and highly unsanitary conditions both inside and around the mortuary facility. Patients, their attendants, and local residents have all reported the distressing environment.
Inadequate Storage and Immediate Consequences
The mortuary's deep freezer has a very limited capacity, designed to hold only a single body. Recently, the body of Manohar Rana, a resident of Barisakhi panchayat under Gidhaur block who died in a road accident, was brought to the hospital. Due to the freezer malfunction, the body had to be kept overnight without any cooling, according to sources.
Sumit Kumar, a local from Giddhaur, expressed his frustration, stating, "The stench makes it impossible to wait in the area. Additionally, biomedical waste is scattered near the premises, worsening the situation."
Local Officials and Residents Voice Concerns
Vikas Pandey, the deputy mukhiya of Barisakhi panchayat, highlighted the severity of the issue. "The absence of a functional cold storage unit has significantly worsened the conditions at the mortuary," he said. Local residents are now demanding:
- Immediate repair of the defective freezer.
- Improved waste management protocols.
- Enhanced sanitation measures at the post-mortem facility.
Additional Infrastructure Problems Flagged
Beyond the freezer issue, locals have raised another critical concern: the lack of a separate access road to the mortuary. Currently, bodies are transported through the hospital's main entrance, often passing by patients and their attendants. "This causes considerable discomfort and panic, especially when decomposed bodies are moved through crowded areas," added a resident.
Hospital Administration's Response
Dr. Pankaj Kumar, the hospital's deputy superintendent, addressed the complaints. "The concerned agency has been informed about the freezer malfunction. We expect repairs to be completed after the Holi festival," he stated. Regarding sanitation, Dr. Kumar assured that cleaning is conducted regularly. He also mentioned that the process to construct a separate road leading to the post-mortem house has already been initiated.
