After a huge effort by the Forensic Pathology Services in the Free State and 22 autopsies done on Saturday, 19 July alone, the waiting times for autopsies in the Mortuary in Bloemfontein was eliminated.
By Monday, 21 July the MEC for Health Monyatso Mahlatsi announced that waiting times at the Government Mortuary was succesfully eliminated.
In a news release on Tuesday spokesperson for the Free State Department of Health, Mondli Mvambi, said the department has moved swiftly in response to the issues to a prohibition notice. “The department is now proactively managing the situation, including adherence to Occupational Health and Safety Standards and the procurement and installation of Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems.”
Autopsy examinations for the majority of admissions from Mangaung, Xhariep, and Thabo Mofutsanyana are now expected to be completed within seven weekdays of admission to a forensic facility.
According to Mvambi, this mortuary is currently conducting ten autopsies per day on weekdays, with additional autopsies performed on Saturdays to meet service delivery demands.
The mortuary will be conducting autopsies from Monday to Thursday to maintain this new feat with Friday reserved for deep cleaning and management of extraordinary demands for service,” he explained. While we are optimistic about this progress, it is important for the public to be aware that certain cases may still require up to two weeks for completion, particularly those that involve complex circumstances and the involvement of key stakeholders in the medicolegal investigation of unnatural deaths
Mahlatsi praised the Forensic Pathology Services for their exceptional efforts from 14 July to 19 July during which a total of 72 autopsies were completed.
“To sustain this great work, we must ensure that we do not regress to the stressful long waiting times that have subjected our people to secondary trauma while they await the return of their loved ones for burial,” said Mahlatsi.
He urged families to contact the Government Mortuary before planning burial dates to confirm that all medicolegal investigations, including autopsies, have been completed. This proactive approach will help families avoid unnecessary travel costs and the disappointment of last-minute delays due to outstanding legal proceedings.”
The MEC also highlighted that complex cases, such as those involving bodies that are burnt beyond recognition or human remains in advanced stages of decomposition, may require extended investigation times, including DNA analysis. This process, managed solely by the police, may take additional time and can delay the release of bodies from the forensic mortuary.
“The Free State Department of Health remains committed to improving service delivery and ensuring that families can find closure in a timely manner during their times of grief,” Mvambi concluded.
