Malaita health officials are discussing a permanent morgue at Kilu’ufi Hospital to improve services and support families
Discussions are underway for the establishment of a permanent morgue facility at Kilu’ufi Hospital, with the Provincial Health Director saying the facility would help better support families and strengthen health services in Malaita Province.
In an interview with Tavuli News during the official handover of the upgraded Kilu’ufi Hospital, Provincial Health Director Dr David Danitofea said discussions have begun with the Provincial Secretary to develop plans on how the idea of building a morgue for the hospital can be progressed.
“I just had a discussion with the provincial secretary recently to work together and develop plans on how to manage this discussion to push for the idea to build a morgue for Kilu’ufi Hospital.”
Dr Danitofea said his team will continue to advocate for the proposed facility.
“Our team will make sure to push for the important facility to have here in Malaita.”
He said the Provincial Government Support Programme (PGSP) could provide an opportunity to support the proposed development.
“Provincial Government Support Programme would be a hope for this idea to make it happen.”
Dr Danitofea also confirmed that refrigerators are already available at the hospital.
“Yes! We actually have the fridge there at the Hospital.”
According to hospital information, refrigerators provided during the COVID-19 pandemic are available at Kilu’ufi Hospital but have not yet been installed.
Dr Danitofea said having a dedicated morgue would provide greater flexibility for families, particularly those travelling long distances from remote communities to collect the bodies of their loved ones.
“It is quite important for Kilufi if any deceased passed away relatives have to take it out quickly.
But if we have a proper facility like a morgue it will be a relief for relatives as well – some might be traveling very far out in communities.”
Kilu’ufi Hospital currently does not have a permanent morgue and is using a temporary room to store deceased bodies for up to one day before they are released to their families.
The proposed morgue remains at the discussion stage, with health authorities continuing to explore options to establish the facility as part of efforts to improve health infrastructure and services for the people of Malaita.
