Overcrowded morgue in Guelmim, Morocco sparks controversy

The morgue at Guelmim Regional Hospital in Morocco is experiencing severe overcrowding, struggling to cope with its limited capacity and the continuous influx of new cases. The facility is equipped with only 12 spaces for storing bodies, a number frequently overwhelmed by new arrivals, particularly victims of irregular migration incidents. This situation leaves the current capacity insufficient for the number of cases registered in the region.

The pressure on the morgue is compounded not only by its limited space but also by the extended duration some bodies remain awaiting the completion of necessary legal and administrative procedures for burial. This is especially true for cases requiring authorizations or instructions from the public prosecutor's office. The timing of some cases coinciding with judicial holidays further delays their processing, leading to occupied storage spaces for longer periods.

This ongoing crisis highlights the responsibility of the Guelmim-Oued Noun Regional Council in the stalled implementation of a project to establish four new morgues across the region's four provinces. The project, approved in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, could have alleviated pressure on the current regional morgue and distributed capacity more evenly. The continued overcrowding underscores the need to expedite this regional project, as well as to upgrade the existing morgue to meet required health and technical standards.

The situation also necessitates enhanced coordination between the regional council, the Ministry of Health, judicial authorities, and other stakeholders. Such collaboration aims to shorten the timelines for completing burial procedures, especially for victims of irregular migration, and to alleviate the strain on a facility with a capacity of just 12 spaces. This is crucial for preserving the dignity of the deceased and ensuring appropriate handling of bodies. Mohamed Salem Mazi, head of the charitable association "Maghsilat Al Rahma" in Guelmim, noted that his association, which has been voluntarily washing and shrouding bodies for over 11 years, is affected by the odors emanating from the morgue, where unidentified bodies, including those of drowned migrants, accumulate. He stressed the need for a serious resolution to the issue, which directly impacts health, safety, and respect for the deceased.