WB Govt.'s strict rule: Release of dead bodies only with funeral vehicle

In response to the distressing incidents of parents and relatives carrying the bodies of deceased children on bicycles or in bags after their deaths in government hospitals, the West Bengal government has implemented stringent guidelines.

Instructions were issued on Tuesday by the State Secretariat to all District Magistrates and Chief Health Officers, emphasizing that bodies should not be left unattended until a hearse vehicle is arranged for transportation. Health Secretary Narayan Swaroop Nigam has issued these instructions.

The move comes after a recent incident drew widespread criticism, where a grieving father had to carry his child's body in a bag before being allowed to return home. Following the public outcry, health department officials were prompted to take immediate action. Hospital managements have been directed to ensure that family members of the deceased contact them to determine if transportation arrangements are in place. If not, the hospital must facilitate the provision of a suitable vehicle.

The authorities have clarified that if the hospital lacks its own vehicle, they must coordinate with the local municipality or panchayat to arrange a funeral vehicle during such circumstances.

The state has witnessed several cases where bereaved families were compelled to resort to unconventional means of transportation, such as carrying bodies on shoulders or bikes. These incidents prompted significant concern and frustration within the Mamata Banerjee-led government.

The newly issued guidelines aim to address the distressing transportation issue and prevent such unfortunate incidents from recurring. By ensuring that appropriate vehicles are promptly arranged for deceased patients, the government intends to provide dignity and respect to their remains and ease the burden on grieving families.