Audit Office reveals severe mismanagement at Paphos General Hospital morgue

A surprise inspection by the Audit Office has uncovered systemic failures and long-standing mismanagement at the Paphos General Hospital morgue. The investigation was triggered by a major refrigeration failure in May 2026, which led to the temporary suspension of morgue operations after the smell of decomposition alerted staff to the issue.

The report highlights grave violations of international storage standards. While bodies are intended to remain in refrigeration for a maximum of 30 days before transfer or burial, investigators found cases where remains were stored for 533, 234, 172, and in one extreme instance, 1,040 days. The audit further identified inadequate maintenance, unclear administrative responsibilities, and poor record-keeping, creating significant risks of misidentification and compromised public health.

Evidence suggests these problems were not new; complaints regarding odors, overcrowding, and lack of sanitation have been documented since 2023 without effective intervention. Beyond the lack of respect for the deceased, the report emphasizes that these conditions pose severe hygiene and workplace safety hazards. As the morgue underwent disinfection during the audit, authorities face mounting pressure to address the underlying staffing and procedural gaps to ensure dignified treatment of the deceased and compliance with health regulations.