Paphos General Hospital morgue mismanagement revealed by audit

An audit by the Audit Service has revealed chronic failures in the management, supervision, and maintenance of the morgue at Paphos General Hospital in Cyprus. The report highlights a severe case where a body remained in a refrigerator for 1,040 days, far exceeding the recommended 30-day limit.

Since 2023, complaints have been recorded regarding decomposition odors, overcrowding of bodies, and a lack of cleanliness, yet no corrective measures were taken. The audit, conducted following a sudden inspection in May 2026 after reports of equipment failure, noted that these conditions impact public health, workplace safety, and the dignity of the deceased.

Furthermore, the report identifies risks of body misidentification and deficiencies in tracking and traceability mechanisms, which could lead to incorrect recording of locations and difficulty in locating remains.