The Punjab government has issued a directive to all government and private hospitals, nursing homes, and clinical establishments prohibiting the withholding of dead bodies over non-payment of hospital bills or any other pending dues. This move aims to protect human rights and preserve the dignity of the deceased.
Compliance with PSHRC Guidelines
The directions were issued by the Director of Health and Family Welfare, Punjab, in compliance with the guidelines set forth by the Punjab State Human Rights Commission (PSHRC). According to the orders, all healthcare institutions must release dead bodies without any delay, irrespective of outstanding payments. The department has reiterated that withholding a deceased person's body due to unpaid bills is strictly prohibited under all circumstances.
Display of Notices
All hospitals have been directed to prominently display notices in Punjabi, Hindi, and English at casualty wards, mortuary entrances, and main reception areas. These notices must state that deceased persons will not be detained due to any outstanding dues. Additionally, the notices will inform the public that complaints can be lodged through the state health helpline number 104.
Compliance Reports and Safety Measures
The department has also sought immediate compliance reports regarding mortuary cold-chain management and electrical safety measures. Earlier instructions mandated mortuary cold-chain compliance, the appointment of electrical nodal officers, and the installation of digital temperature alert systems.
Training and Orientation Programmes
As part of efforts to improve medico-legal services, the department announced that training and orientation programmes would be conducted for medical officers on medico-legal reporting, sampling protocols, and the proper handling and management of dead bodies. These programmes, which carry Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits, are proposed to be conducted within the next 90 days.
Digital Reporting Requirement
The health department has further directed all medical institutions to issue medico-legal and post-mortem reports only through the digital MedLEaPR portal. The issuance of handwritten or unofficial medico-legal reports has been prohibited.
