6 July 2005
To tackle the problem of overcrowding, dead bodies which have been placed in the Victoria Public Mortuary and the Kowloon Public Mortuary for a relatively long time will soon be transferred to the new Kwai Chung Public Mortuary.
During a visit to the new Kwai Chung Public Mortuary today (July 6), the Director of Health, Dr Lam Ping-yan, said: "The new mortuary is expected to commence operation in September. However, as the refrigerating facilities have just been confirmed to be ready for use, the facilities will soon be used to store dead bodies which have stayed in other public mortuaries for a relatively long time.
"We are contacting the family members of the dead bodies involved in the transfer. We sincerely hope that they will understand the arrangement was necessary to ensure the dead bodies could be treated in a dignified and proper manner."
"The Department of Health (DH) strived to accommodate the needs of the family members. Nevertheless, the overcrowding problem in public mortuaries could only be eased, if family members claim the dead bodies as soon as possible," Dr Lam noted.
DH is also exploring the feasibility of installing closed-circuit televisions in public mortuaries to ensure that the bodies are handled properly and in a dignified manner.
"We have reminded staff of the mortuaries to handle the dead bodies with respect and to follow proper procedures.
"DH has been in contact with the Independent Commission Against Commission (ICAC) on the operation of the public mortuaries. Regarding the recent allegation of bribery involving mortuary staff, we have referred the case to ICAC for investigations."
"The new Kwai Chung Public Mortuary, with its capacity of 220 storage spaces and world standard facilities, is expected to solve the shortage of storage places in public mortuaries.
"As a long-term solution to the overcrowding problem, DH has planned to relocate the Victoria Public Mortuary and enhanced liaision with relevant Government departments in identifying suitable site on Hong Kong Island," Dr Lam said.