By Rahim Abdul
In a bold move aimed at restoring order and enhancing safety, Queens Hospital in Blantyre has introduced new guidelines governing the collection of bodies from its mortuary, marking a significant shift in how funeral procedures are handled at one of Malawi’s largest referral facilities.
The new measures, which took effect today, 15 February, are designed to streamline operations at the hospital while reinforcing hygiene and security standards within the mortuary premises.
Under the updated rules, religious gatherings and hymn singing at the mortuary have been prohibited. Hospital authorities say the change is necessary to maintain a calm, controlled and sanitary environment during body collection.
According to an official communication released by the hospital, religious leaders will only be permitted to offer a brief prayer. Full prayer services or extended ceremonies will no longer be allowed within the mortuary area.
Families wishing to conduct full religious rites have been advised to do so at private funeral homes or other non government facilities, where such activities can be accommodated without disrupting hospital operations.
The hospital has also placed a strict limit on the number of mourners allowed during body collection. Only 20 people will be permitted, accompanied by a maximum of three vehicles.
Authorities say reducing the number of people and vehicles entering the mortuary premises will help improve sanitation, ease congestion and enhance overall security at the institution.
In another key adjustment, families are now required to book in advance before collecting the remains of their loved ones. The introduction of a booking system is expected to minimize confusion and overcrowding.
The new collection hours have also been clearly defined. Bodies will only be released between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM every day, bringing uniformity and predictability to the process.
Hospital officials believe that setting specific time frames will allow staff to better manage workloads while ensuring respectful and efficient service delivery to grieving families.
Queens Hospital remains one of the country’s largest public health institutions, with a bed capacity of over 1,350, serving thousands of patients from Blantyre and beyond.
As the new regulations take effect, the hospital leadership says the reforms are not meant to undermine cultural or religious practices but rather to safeguard public health standards and uphold dignity within the hospital environment.