Malappuram: The Kerala High Court has issued an interim order halting night autopsies at the Government Medical College Hospital in Manjeri, Malappuram district. The decision comes in response to a writ petition filed by doctors citing insufficient staff and inadequate infrastructure to support 24-hour autopsy services.
Justice C. S. Dias, while hearing the matter, directed authorities to refrain from conducting night autopsies until proper facilities and infrastructure are ensured. The court noted that the government pleader sought additional time to gather instructions on the issue.
Doctors’ Grievances
The petitioners claimed that the implementation of 24-hour autopsy services was a unilateral decision by the Head and Police Surgeon of the Department of Forensic Medicine at the hospital. They alleged that:
- The decision was taken without obtaining government approval.
- Adequate staff and resources were not provided for round-the-clock services.
- The move contradicted the Kerala Medico-Legal Code and guidelines from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
The plea emphasized that the purpose of conducting autopsies is compromised when performed hastily or in an unorganized manner due to lack of proper facilities.
Next Steps
The matter has been adjourned for further hearing on February 3, 2025. The petition was filed through advocates P. K. Vijayamohanan, Akhil Suseendran, and Aiswarya V. S.
This stay highlights the need for proper infrastructure and resources before implementing 24-hour medical services, ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards.
