Audit report reveals severe mismanagement at Paphos General Hospital morgue

A special report by the Audit Office of Cyprus, published on September 16, 2026, has exposed systemic failures and improper storage conditions at the Paphos General Hospital morgue. The investigation, prompted by a major cooling system breakdown in May 2026, revealed that bodies were left in refrigerators for months or even years. Specifically, records showed five bodies remained in storage for 1,040, 533, 234, 172, and 39 days respectively, far exceeding the 30-day limit recommended by the Human Tissue Authority.

The Audit Office highlighted chronic administrative issues, including inadequate equipment maintenance, lack of functional alarm systems, absence of emergency plans, and understaffing. Despite warnings from staff dating back to 2023, management remained inactive. The Auditor General emphasized that the state has a fundamental duty to ensure the dignified and secure treatment of the deceased, calling the current findings concerning. Authorities are now reviewing these failures to improve hospital management procedures and prevent future occurrences.