Delay in issuing NOC and embalming certificates
The gang came to Hyderabad five days ago, and the cops were trying to nab them. (Photo: DC/File)
Chennai: Transporting the dead body of a friend or family member from Chennai to any place is proving to be both expensive and difficult for the next of kin. Delay in NOC from police and embalming the body is forcing many to use expensive private ambulances, instead of railways.
Relatives of the deceased complain that after death is confirmed, the maximum delay is caused by police and hospital administration in giving NOCs and post-mortem entry certificate. Last week, a shopkeeper at Purasawalkam died of kidney failure.
He was declared brought dead at the private hospital he was initially taken to by his friend, who spent the next many hours trying to get clearance to send the body to Kerala. "I had to depend on an ambulance at 11 pm to send my friend T. Sukumaran's body back home after an eight-hour struggle to get the required certificates and NOC. At the station, officials said the paperwork did not have the doctor's seal and also they were late in completing the formalities," said S. Kaladharan who had to spend Rs 14, 000 as ambulance charges to Telicherry in Kerala which would have cost Rs 600 by rail.
According to government hospital sources, there have been six cases in two weeks where people had no other choice, but to hire a private ambulance to transport dead bodies to neighboring states and end up paying Rs 12, 000 to Rs 14, 000.
Most people who prefer transporting the body of their dear ones by train often end up depending on ambulances due to failure to adhere to train timings. One needs to arrive at the railway station at least 2 hours prior to complete the formalities.
"There are a number of cases where people arrive 15 to 30 minutes prior to the departure of the train and they end up missing the journey. Also, when a body is brought we make sure all other parcels are removed to make sure there is ample space for the coffin in the luggage bogey," a railway official said. There are around 45 private ambulance services that arrange the facility for transporting dead bodies to neighboring states.3
When private-public partnership units like 'Accident and Death Care' cell are arranging ambulance facilities that charge Rs 10 per kilometre, most private ambulances charge 14 to Rs 16 per kilometre. Hospital sources also feel that strict adherence to embalming the body is another reason for delay.
( Source : deccan chronicle )
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