58 bodies lying in state-run mortuaries in Goa: Minister

Panaji: State-run morgues in Goa have 58 unclaimed bodies which are yet to be disposed of as their identity could not be ascertained, state Deputy Chief Minister Francis D'Souza informed the Legislative Assembly here.

"There are a total of 58 unidentified bodies at Goa Medical College (GMC), TB Hospital in Margao, North Goa District Hospital, Mapusa, and Sub District Hospital in Ponda," D'Souza, who also holds Health portfolio, told the ongoing assembly session.

In a written reply tabled by St Cruz constituency legislator Atanasio Monserratte, D'Souza has said the bodies are of those people with no claimants. They are brought to GMC hospital by Police or 108 ambulances (emergency ambulance service) in an unconscious state.

"The people are found at bus stand, road side with limited or no information. Hence, whatever limited information that is available with GMC authorities is sent to the Police.

"Within the limited information, it becomes difficult to verify name and address and in confirming of that there are relatives..In time bound manner. It causes delay in issue of No Objection Certificate for disposal," he said.

"The disposal of dead bodies at Sub District Hospital is under process while those at T B Hospital and North Goa district hospital, Mapusa, are recently referred to police stations concerned," D'Souza said.

He apprised that mortuary at the T B hospital is fully functional. Another morgue at Hospicio Hospital in Margao is not operational and is under process of being scrapped. Currently, only post morterm facility is available there.