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Navi Mumbai: The Panvel District Hospital mortuary has undergone a ₹95 lakh renovation, significantly increasing its storage capacity from 6 to 24 bodies. This overhaul was undertaken to address storage limitations and cooling system issues, which were particularly problematic during mass casualty incidents.
Key Upgrades & Improvements:
- Storage Capacity: Expanded from 6 bodies to 24, reducing the need to transfer bodies to other morgues.
- Cooling System: Advanced refrigeration technology installed to maintain temperatures at 4°C (earlier 9°C), ensuring better preservation.
- Odor Control & Hygiene: Complaints about unpleasant odors in the previous morgue have been resolved, enhancing overall hygiene.
Why the Renovation Was Needed:
- The 120-bed hospital conducts 1,200 postmortems annually (about 100 per month).
- Earlier, limited capacity forced authorities to transport bodies to Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation’s Vashi mortuary.
- The renovation work, which began last year, was completed last month, and a week-long trial run is underway before full operations begin.
Hospital officials confirmed that ₹85 lakh worth of advanced cooling units were installed, ensuring better efficiency and hygiene. The new mortuary system will be fully operational next week, while the older facility will also remain functional.