AUGUSTO RODRIGUES
PANJIM: The stink of government apathy currently emanating from the Goa Medical College (GMC) morgue refuses to go, thanks to the authorities’ complete indifference to dead bodies kept there for years, putting a strain on the resources and raising the question – why are officials dragging their feet on this?
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The question is important because a directive from the North Goa Collector nearly nine months ago had directed the disposal of 26 bodies that had been lying in the morgue for years.
The most concerning case involves a body that has been in the morgue since June 14, 2000, with no post-mortem conducted, as the required inquest panchanama has not been completed. Meanwhile, 12 other bodies, dating from 2020 to 2023, are also still waiting for proper disposal.
Minutes from a meeting held on May 28, 2024, at the North Goa District Magistrate’s office, and obtained by O Heraldo, reveal the gravity of the situation. Dr Andre V Fernandes, Forensic Medicine and Toxicology expert at GMC, stated that “no inquest panchanama, post-mortem, etc, have been undertaken” for the deceased individuals. The meeting further highlighted that despite repeated reminders sent to the Panaji Police Station, no response had been received regarding the status of the cases.
Deputy Collector and SDM Tiswadi, who attended the meeting, confirmed that memorandums were sent on July 20, 2023, September 12, 2023 and February 9, 2023, but the police had failed to act. The Superintendent of Police for North Goa was urged to take action, but no further developments have been reported.
A source from GMC’s Toxicology Department, speaking on condition of anonymity, explained that “no post-mortem can be conducted without an inquest panchanama by the police,” which has delayed the necessary procedures. DySP Braz Menezes, who admitted to attending the meeting on behalf of the Goa Police, said: “I am not really aware of all the details. I will speak with the doctor once I get to the office to check the pending cases and forward the same for follow up.”
Attempts to reach North Goa SP Akshat Kaushal for comment were unsuccessful. Despite numerous calls and a message asking for clarification regarding the lack of action, no response was received.
The situation is equally dire in South Goa, where several bodies have been languishing in the morgue. One body has been there since 2020, two from 2021 and 2022, and three from 2023, further highlighting the widespread failure to address the issue.
When contacted, Dr Gitte, the North Goa Collector, was unavailable
for comment.
Her secretary assured that the collector would return the call, but no response was received.
A senior doctor from the Forensic Department at the South Goa Hospital attributed the negligence to a bureaucratic mindset, stating, “Unfortunately, many in the government view these matters as mere paperwork, forgetting the dignity and respect the deceased deserve. This carelessness is a result of such an approach.”
