LIMPOPO Health MEC Dr Phophi Ramathuba is urging bereaved families to communicate with their forensic pathology unit officials before finalising funeral dates.
This comes as the forensic pathology service is experiencing a huge pressure due to an increased number of unnatural deaths.
This is because the deaths demand autopsies to be performed in terms of the health act.
Ramathuba said her department is currently swamped with daily calls from grieving families seeking the release of the remains of their loved once for burial purposes.
“They are citing that arrangements have been finalised and funeral dates cannot be changed because of costs involved,” said the MEC.
Ramathuba said they appeal for cooperation and understanding from bereaved families.
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“We would like to advise members of the bereaved families to liaise with our forensic pathology unit officials before finalising funeral dates,” she said
Ramathuba said the current unfortunate situation has led to occasional tensions between families and the department.
“This is what we don't want at all, especially given the timing. When people are mourning, ours must be to comfort them. Unnatural deaths are in their nature too traumatic psychologically because they occur suddenly,” she said.
She said families are not prepared as compared to when someone has been sick for a long time.
“Postmortem delays unfortunately worsen the situation. We understand the emotional strain families experience during this waiting period but by working together, we can navigate these challenges more effectively," said Ramathuba.
