Bhotekoshi-Trishuli Floods: Shortage of Medical Experts for Autopsies and Other Challenges in Body Management
Image source, RSS
Following the Bhotekoshi-Trishuli floods, Chitwan district, where the highest number of bodies have been recovered, faces a significant shortage of forensic experts and other resources for effective body management, officials have stated.
Dr. Bishwabandhu Bagale, Chief Medical Superintendent at Bharatpur Hospital, informed that there are only four forensic experts available across the district.
To conduct the necessary health examinations required for the management and identification of bodies retrieved from the flood, Dr. Bagale has appealed to forensic specialists from various hospitals who have come to Chitwan for assistance.
Ganesh Aryal, the Chief District Officer of Chitwan, highlighted that the total capacity of all morgues in the district is just 30, while more than 200 bodies have been recovered, leading to multiple challenges.
Shortage of Forensic Doctors
Image source, RSS
Dr. Bagale noted that due to time and healthcare staff shortages, only intact bodies have been examined so far.
“We collect possible identifying signs, photos, and videos of the bodies and send them to cold storage centers,” he explained.
However, as the number of such bodies exceeds facility capacity, Dr. Bagale has sent requests to forensic experts across the country to come to Chitwan for assistance.
He also mentioned that other healthcare workers and volunteers from different hospitals have been called in for support, with some already having arrived.
According to Dr. Bagale, the district has four forensic specialists: two at Bharatpur Hospital and two at Chitwan Medical College.
He added that two additional forensic experts have recently arrived in response to his appeal.
How Is the Body Handover Process Conducted?
Chief District Officer Aryal explained that a ‘Help Desk’ has been established to assist families in identifying their missing loved ones.
“People who come there are shown the bodies; if any body is identified as their relative’s, it is handed over after completing administrative procedures and proper documentation,” he stated.
He further noted that since morgue capacity in the district is insufficient, a government office has been converted into a temporary morgue.
To maintain the necessary temperature and prevent outside air from entering, air conditioning and dry ice have been installed in the temporary morgue, according to Aryal.
Image source, RSS
Officials reveal that only two bodies have been positively identified so far.
Around 40 percent of the remaining bodies were found decomposed to a degree that hinders identification.
Similar Situation in Other Districts
According to correspondent Madhav Nepal in Butwal, the neighboring district of East Nawalparasi shares the same issues regarding body management.
Due to space constraints, of the 134 bodies found in East Nawalparasi, 41 have been transported to hospitals in Pokhara and eight to hospitals in Palpa, stated Assistant Chief District Officer Chiranjivi Rana.
He added that other bodies have been arranged at hospitals inside the district.
Similarly, the 31 bodies recovered in West Nawalparasi have been managed at Lumbini Provincial Hospital in Butwal, Pipra Hospital in Kapilvastu, Bhim Hospital in Bhairahawa, and local district hospitals.
Problems Due to Odor
Sugreev Tharu from Kohalpur, Banke, who traveled to Bharatpur searching for his missing brother, reported that the morgue emits a strong odor and some bodies were leaking fluids.
The temporary morgue is situated adjacent to the Chitwan Industry Association building.
Ganesh Prasad Silwal, Executive Director of the Association, said, “The odor from the bodies has started to permeate inside the office as well. This situation is unacceptable; the state needs to take responsibility and conduct mass funerals.”
The content is also available on YouTube. To subscribe and watch our published videos click here. You can also find our material on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Additionally, the Nepali Service program is broadcast at 8:45 PM from Monday to Friday on radio.