Post-mortem examination services at the Colonial War Memorial (CWM) Hospital morgue in Suva are currently being conducted at the Wainibokasi and Mokani health facilities due to renovation work ongoing at the main facility. This temporary relocation of services aims to ensure that necessary examinations can continue without interruption.
During a recent visit to the Suva Morgue, staff confirmed that the post-mortem examination section is under renovation and clarified that rumors suggesting the morgue is full are unfounded. They further explained that deceased individuals are transferred to alternative facilities solely for their post-mortem assessments before being returned to CWM for proper storage and eventual release to their families.
Typically, the CWM morgue can accommodate up to 66 bodies; however, it occasionally operates beyond capacity, particularly during high-demand periods, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, when additional container units raised capacity to approximately 200. Assistant Health Minister Penioni Ravunawa stated that redirecting families to nearby facilities is standard practice when the morgue reaches its limit.
Ravunawa noted the outsourcing of CWM Morgue services to Suva Funeral Directors, highlighting improvements in service delivery and infrastructure, despite the challenges posed by limited space. Families are encouraged to expedite funeral arrangements to facilitate smooth operations, ensuring that the dignity and respect of all deceased individuals are upheld during this sensitive time.
This situation comes amid broader conversations regarding morgue overcrowding in Fiji, as highlighted by health officials. Similar challenges have been documented across various locations, with rising death rates and delays in burial arrangements placing considerable strain on funeral services. Calls for enhanced infrastructure and community support reflect a collective hope for a more resilient and compassionate response to end-of-life care in the country.
Amidst these challenges, there is ongoing commitment from the Ministry of Health to ensure that families receive the dignified treatments they deserve. The collaborative efforts and investments in healthcare facilities aim to create a supportive environment for grieving families, ultimately paving the way for improvements in end-of-life services across Fiji.