DEMANDING MONEY FOR THE POSTMORTEM IN INHUMANE:BHAI DINESH

DEMANDING MONEY FOR THE POSTMORTEM IN INHUMANE:BHAI DINESH

27-AUG-ENG 1

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA-------------------------I was deeply saddened and distressed to learn of the inhumane treatment meted out to a grieving family by the staff conducting post-mortems at Ara Sadar Hospital.

Just imagine: when a brother, father, mother, wife, son, or daughter dies prematurely due to a road accident, drowning, electrocution, fire, or any other cause, the family is already in a state of deep shock. At such a time, demanding ₹2,000, ₹3,000, or ₹5,000 to hand over the body after the post-mortem—and withholding the body if the money isn't paid—is an act that shames humanity.

Yesterday, a similar complaint was received regarding the post-mortem of a deceased person from the Jagdishpur Nagar Panchayat. The staff conducting the post-mortem were demanding ₹2,000. The grieving family was only in a position to pay ₹500, yet the body was not being released.

I was informed about this matter over the phone by Chief Councilor Santosh Singh, Nayak Singh, and Ward Councilor Sunil Kumar (alias Panda). I immediately spoke to the Bhojpur Civil Surgeon. The Civil Surgeon sent the hospital manager to the site, after which the family was able to receive the deceased's body.

But the major question remains: how many poor and helpless families will be able to call a public representative to retrieve the body of their deceased loved one? And how many public representatives will be able to take immediate cognizance of such complaints and resolve them?

This is not an issue limited to Ara Sadar Hospital alone. Similar complaints have surfaced from PMCH, NMCH, and other Sadar hospitals across Bihar. Therefore, this is not a matter that should be confined to taking action against a single individual; rather, it is a question of reforming the entire system.

Regarding this serious issue, I have written to the Bhojpur District Magistrate, the Bhojpur Civil Surgeon, the Chief Secretary of Bihar, the Honorable Chief Minister, and the Health Minister, demanding that:

Any form of illegal extortion in exchange for handing over the body after a post-mortem be stopped immediately.

Respectful and humane treatment of grieving families be ensured.

Strict action be taken against the guilty staff members. Arrangements should be put in place in all government hospitals to ensure that poor families are not forced to beg for help just to claim the bodies of their deceased relatives.

Hospital administrations must ensure systems for regular monitoring and accountability.

That is the most difficult time for the deceased's family; they need support and empathy—not harassment over money.

The government and administration must take concrete action on this serious matter immediately, so that no family has to endure such suffering to retrieve the body of a loved one.