Fiji to install 10 eco-mortuaries after claims baby's body was stored in ice-filled esky

Fiji's government is moving to install 10 eco-mortuaries across the nation, a decision spurred by disturbing claims that a baby's body was kept in an ice-filled esky. The assistant health minister confirmed that tenders have been approved for the installation of a morgue on Kadavu island. However, he acknowledged that establishing and maintaining a mortuary facility on Kadavu will not be straightforward. Significant challenges exist, particularly concerning the island's unreliable power supply, which is crucial for the operation of modern refrigeration equipment.

The initiative to install these eco-mortuaries is a direct response to serious concerns raised about the storage of deceased individuals. The reports from Kadavu, suggesting inadequate and undignified conditions, have prompted swift action from the Ministry of Health. While the installation of the Kadavu morgue is a priority, the broader plan for 10 facilities indicates a nationwide effort to upgrade and standardize mortuary services. The government is seeking solutions to overcome the logistical and infrastructural hurdles, particularly the power limitations, to ensure these facilities can function effectively and respectfully.