Concerns over refrigerated container at Paphos hospital morgue

On October 20, 2026, concerns were raised regarding the placement of a refrigerated container outside the morgue at Paphos General Hospital. Reports indicated that bodies were being transferred from the main storage chambers into the container, a process reportedly involving staff from other departments such as the Accident and Emergency unit. This practice triggered reactions from hospital employees regarding hygiene protocols and the handling of the deceased.

Charalambos Charilaou, spokesman for the State Health Services Organisation (OKYPY), clarified that the temporary measure was necessary to perform urgent repairs on the morgue’s malfunctioning alarm system. The Audit Office had previously identified faults in this system, which risked the proper preservation of bodies. The procedure, which involves moving the bodies, disinfecting the area, repairing the system, and returning the remains, is expected to take approximately four days. OKYPY has assured that the container meets all technical specifications and that safety measures are in place.

The morgue at Paphos General Hospital has faced operational difficulties previously, notably leading to a temporary closure in May 2026 due to technical failures in the cooling cabinets. The current repairs aim to ensure that any future temperature fluctuations trigger an immediate alert.