The University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) in Nigeria has announced plans to conduct a mass burial of unclaimed corpses currently stored in its mortuary. This decision was made due to severe congestion in the facility, which has been exacerbated by the continued retention of corpses beyond the statutory 90-day period. According to the hospital, relatives or depositors have not claimed these corpses, leading to significant pressure on available mortuary space and facilities.
The hospital management issued a public notice on Wednesday, stating that the mass burial has become necessary to ensure proper mortuary management. While acknowledging the sensitivity and emotional nature of the exercise, the hospital emphasized that it is essential to maintain standards of care and service delivery. The management has advised depositors of the affected corpses to come forward to claim and recover them, stressing that this is an opportunity for them to avoid the mass burial.
The mass burial is scheduled to take place in three weeks, with a deadline set for 21 October 2026. After this date, all unclaimed corpses will be evacuated for mass burial without further notice. Although the exact number of corpses to be affected by the exercise is unclear, the hospital's decision has raised awareness among the public and stakeholders about the need to claim abandoned corpses promptly.
The issue of mortuary congestion in UCTH is significant, as it not only affects the hospital's ability to provide quality care but also poses health risks to the community. The hospital's management has taken this step to address the issue, and it is hoped that it will help alleviate the congestion and allow for better management of the facility.
Efforts were made to speak with the Chief Medical Director, Professor Ikpeme Asanye, but they were unsuccessful. The hospital's decision to conduct a mass burial has sparked reactions from various quarters, with some stakeholders expressing concerns about the potential consequences of such an exercise.
The UCTH mass burial is not an isolated incident, as similar situations have been reported in other hospitals across Nigeria. The issue of unclaimed corpses and mortuary congestion is a recurring problem that requires a comprehensive solution. The hospital's management has called on depositors and relatives to come forward and claim the abandoned corpses, emphasizing the importance of taking responsibility for the deceased.
The mass burial exercise is expected to take place in Calabar, and further details will be provided by the hospital as the exercise approaches. The hospital's management has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that the exercise is conducted in a dignified and respectful manner, while also emphasizing the need for the public to take responsibility for claiming abandoned corpses.
Key points
- UCTH to conduct mass burial of unclaimed corpses on 21 October 2026
- Mortuary congestion forces UCTH to take drastic measures
- Hospital urges depositors and relatives to claim abandoned corpses promptly
