Goemkarponn desk
PANAJI: The relatives of the COVID victims would no longer require top get the no objection certificate from the Sub-Divisional Magistrate to claim the body.
Henceforth, the formalities would be carried out at the GMC and the South District Hospital itself.
Dr. Madhu Ghodkirekar, Associate Prof. GMT, GMC posted in public interest /Incharge South Goa District Hospital Forensic dept., said “I am pleased to inform that the procedure regarding claiming of COVID death mortal remains at South Goa District hospital has simplified.”
He said with co-operation from North Goa and South Goa district magistrate, “now there is no need for relatives to bring NOC from Subdivisional District Magistrate.”
“Required formalities will be completed by the Forensic Medicine dept of South Goa District Hospital itself and there is no need for grieved family members to SDM office,” he said.
Besides, he added, South Goa Collectorate has arranged two hearse vans for free of cost transportation from mortuary to place of funeral anywhere in the state.
“These are beside one dedicated one EMRI hearse van for South Goa. I appreciate many family members arrange their own hearse van, that helps us to provide hearse van service for those who can not effort it. I appreciate gesture of MLA Prasad Gaonkar who has started to provide his hearse van for COVID dead immortal from his area,” he said.
He said that considering the rate of deaths verses number of hearse vans available, various NGO and volunteers must try to help grieved family members by arranging tempos or rikshaw when hearse vans are not available.
“Please remembers that once the dead body is packed in dead body bag, they do not spread infection. Otherwise private undertakers or funeral makers will demand disproportionate charges from grieved family members. I am also informing all that we are providing four PPE kits free of cost, so please do not pay for PPE kit to anyone,” he stated.
