Government approves Vunisea mortuary upgrade

The Government has approved the long-awaited upgrade of the Vunisea Hospital mortuary, addressing a service gap that has forced Kadavu families to bury loved ones on the day of death.

The mortuary at Vunisea Hospital is set to undergo a major upgrade after receiving approval from the Government Tender Board (GTB).

In a statement issued yesterday, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services said the Vunisea Hospital mortuary was among nine mortuary projects approved by the GTB for upgrades.

The works will include:

• Removal of the old mortuary unit;
• Renovation of the mortuary facility;
• Supply, installation and commissioning of a two-berth mortuary unit and associated equipment;
• Installation of a new switchboard and circuit breakers, including waterproof power points; and
• Training for staff on the operation and maintenance of the equipment.

The ministry said each project was expected to take six to eight months to complete after contracts were signed and initial payments made.

“The Vunisea Hospital mortuary is currently non-operational due to challenges with the consistent power supply at Vunisea Government Station in Kadavu,” the statement said.

The lack of a functioning mortuary has forced families to bury loved ones on the day of death.

More recently, a baby was placed in an esky while awaiting a post-mortem examination.

“The Ministry sympathises with members of the public in the province of Kadavu for the inconvenience caused in burying their loved ones,” the statement said.