The recent termination of a mortuary worker from Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) Hospital for allegedly demanding ₹2,000 to wrap a deceased body has sparked widespread debate over the glaring absence of clear policies governing post-mortem procedures in civic hospitals.
While swift action was taken against the worker for misconduct, the incident has brought to light a deeper problem — the complete lack of transparent and standardized rules on the handling of bodies after post-mortem. "Neither the condition in which the body is to be handed over nor the responsibility for providing wrapping materials has been formally specified by the civic administration," questioned the general secretary Mukesh Lad of Samaj Samatha Kamgar Sangh.
Questions are now being raised about why no such guidelines exist. There is no clarity on whether the hospital, its contractors, or the deceased's family must arrange for shrouds or coverings. "Mortuary workers, many of whom earn a modest monthly salary of ₹18,000, are left to face the anger and expectations of bereaved families without institutional support or resources," said Lad.
This vacuum of policy according to civic activists has created gaps in proceure. The activist has simultaneously filed an RTI to avail details about any policy being formulated.
Senior municipal officials and elected representatives have also been accused of neglecting this basic operational necessity. Despite the essential nature of mortuary services, no efforts have been made to supply required materials or clearly communicate the process to the public.
"The controversy underscores the urgent need for the NMMC administration to establish and declare a transparent policy regarding the post-mortem handling of bodies. Unless such reforms are introduced, similar disputes and allegations are likely to continue, unfairly punishing minor staff while the systemic flaws remain unaddressed," adds the activist.
