India sets first national standards for mortuaries, bans basement morgues
The new rules set minimum requirements for cold storage, staffing, body identification and autopsy facilities, seeking to standardize India’s fragmented mortuary infrastructure.
India has established its first set of nationwide minimum standards for mortuaries and post-mortem facilities, according to the National Council for Clinical Establishments under the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). The new regulations outline uniform requirements for cold storage, staffing, body identification, and autopsy procedures, with a particular emphasis on ensuring proper medical protocols are followed in every facility across the country.
Notably, the standards explicitly prohibit basements from being used for mortuaries, as well as locations near hospital waste disposal sites. This decision aims to enhance public health and safety by preventing contamination and other potential risks associated with underground mortuaries.
Priyanka Sharma, a journalist at Mint covering the Union Ministry of Health and the pharmaceutical industry, reports that the new standards are the result of months of deliberation and consultation among healthcare professionals and regulatory bodies. The initiative reflects a commitment to uniformity and clarity in medical practices nationwide, which Sharma explains will ultimately improve patient care and overall healthcare quality.
Written by urgent.news from Live Mint's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
