Disturbing Conditions Reported at Makeni Government Hospital Mortuary

Alarming concerns have emerged regarding the state of the mortuary at Makeni Government Hospital, following information received from an insider and subsequent on-site verification by this reporter.

Investigations revealed serious deficiencies that could compromise both public health and the dignity of the deceased. Central among these concerns is the reported absence of a functional freezer, a critical requirement for preserving bodies. Sources indicate that without this equipment, families face limited time to make funeral arrangements, while the hospital struggles to provide basic mortuary services.

Further compounding the situation, visitors and relatives of the deceased have reportedly been subjected to an environment overwhelmed by a strong and offensive odour. Several hospital staff members declined to comment on record, and attempts to obtain an official response from hospital management were unsuccessful, raising questions about transparency and accountability.

A source familiar with the situation described the conditions as “unacceptable,” adding that the mortuary, in its current state, cannot reliably preserve bodies even for a few days. While some details could not be independently verified, multiple indicators suggest urgent attention is required.

The revelations have prompted calls from stakeholders and community members for an immediate investigation into the operational state of the mortuary, with demands for government intervention to restore sanitary conditions and supply essential equipment. Health experts have also warned that such conditions, if left unaddressed, may pose broader environmental and public health risks.

As of press time, neither the hospital administration nor the Ministry of Health has issued a statement. Public pressure continues to grow, with citizens emphasizing the need to restore dignity, accountability, and trust in this critical public health facility.