We have to treat our dead with respect and dignity,” Dr. Austin Demby, Minister of Health
The Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby, has commissioned the newly refurbished Connaught Hospital Mortuary, ushering in a new chapter of professionalism, dignity and respect for the dead. The facility, which has been transformed from a place of despair to a space of hope and pride, underwent six weeks of intensive renovation with focus on improving not just the building, but also upgrade it to modern and international standard. The new-look mortuary is not only an elegant edifice, it houses some of the best furniture including improved lighting, expanded spaces, state-of-the-art post-mortem equipment — tools that meet global standards.
In addition, the facility now has three brand new cold rooms, each with individual compartments — one corpse per compartment — ensuring that the privacy of every deceased person is respected. There is now provision for both hot and cold water, modern CCTV camera for security and accountability, and a serene, well-ventilated environment befitting a national referral hospital.
For the Minister of Health, the mortuary is not just a place for dumping corpses. “It’s a place where we should pay our last respect to loved ones who pass away because how we treat the dead, reflects who we are in real life.”
Today the Connaught Hospital Mortuary is not just about caring for the dead with respect and compassion, it also has special focus on teaching and training to help nurture the next generation of pathologists and mortuary professionals. Staff have undergone specialized training on improved customer care in their roles and responsibilities. They now have uniforms that represent pride, professionalism, and compassion. “The focus has shifted — from merely managing the dead to honouring them,” minister Demby said.
Reflecting on the Past:
For over two decades, the Connaught Hospital Mortuary had not undergone any major structural or equipment upgrade. The building was dilapidated — the cold rooms, aged and worn out, had long outlived their lifespan. They demanded constant maintenance and frequent repairs, much like an old refrigerator in your home that has served its time, yet keeps groaning to survive. The facility was screaming for help! The reality then was grim.
Bodies were not properly preserved, the air thick with offensive odour that haunted both staff and visitors. On some days, the stench around the mortuary was unbearable. Every unclaimed body found on the streets was unceremoniously dumped at the morturay. The cold room had no individuality — all corpses were kept together, stripped of their privacy and dignity that every human being deserves, even in death. But today, that story has changed forever. This is all thanks to inspired leadership of Dr. Austin Demby as Minister of Health and the unwavering support of the Government, Ministry of Health staff and health development partners.