Physical works on postmortem unit to commence within two months

Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH), on Wednesday, announced that physical work on the Maldives’ first postmortem unit is expected to commence within the next two months.

IGMH has been allocated space by the government near the Hulhumalé Cemetery for the development of the facility.

Speaking with Sun, an IGMH media official said the project is currently at the stage of finalizing its conceptual and detailed designs. The official added that physical construction of the unit is expected to begin within approximately two months, following the appointment of a contractor and completion of the necessary formalities.

At present, postmortem examinations are conducted abroad, requiring the government to incur significant expenses in transporting bodies overseas. The Maldives Police Service, meanwhile, already has officers who are qualified to conduct such procedures.

The plan to establish postmortem services locally was first announced by Health Minister Geela Ali during a parliamentary session on July 8. At the time, the Minister stated that conducting a postmortem examination abroad costs approximately MVR 50,000.

The Minister said the establishment of the unit would enable the development of a comprehensive system for clinical forensic and postmortem services, serving not only the Malé region but the entire country.

The unit will primarily provide forensic examinations to determine the causes of death in suspicious cases, as well as examinations related to allegations of sexual and physical assault.

It will also be equipped to conduct examinations concerning inhumane treatment and custodial torture, in addition to assessing the extent of injuries for legal and insurance-related purposes.

In the Maldives, postmortem examinations are generally conducted as part of criminal investigations into suspicious deaths and inquiries concerning deaths that occur in custody.