Sep 10, Kathmandu - The Ministry of Health and Food Safety has announced a strategic decision to construct and expand morgues with a minimum capacity of 50 bodies at 12 federal hospitals and health science institutes. This move aims to enhance the management of large-scale fatalities during disasters and major emergencies.

The decision follows lessons learned from past disasters, including the recent devastating floods in Bhote Koshi and the challenges faced in body management. The new facilities will facilitate the safe preservation, identification, testing, and legal procedures related to deceased victims.

Under this plan, morgues will be constructed, or capacity will be expanded at hospitals and institutes including Koshi, Narayani, Gajendra Narayan Singh, Bharatpur, Bheri, and Dadeldhura, as well as the National Institute of Medical Sciences, BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Patan, Pokhara, Rapti, and Karnali Institute of Health Sciences.

The ministry states that this initiative will strengthen disaster management capabilities and improve forensic and medico-legal services, ensuring a more effective response during crises.