Rising number of unclaimed bodies at MCH mortuary sparks concern

Within a year, 63 such bodies were cremated after remaining unidentified and unclaimed

- Varsha Somaraj @T'Puram

The rising number of unclaimed and unidentified dead bodies at the Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital mortuary has become a growing concern.

Between May 1, 2024 and May 13, 2025, a total of 63 such bodies were cremated after remaining unidentified and unclaimed. As of Monday, 20 remain in the mortuary.

Of these, seven have received police clearance for cremation and are awaiting procedural completion. The remaining wait in cold storage for someone to identify them, or for formalities to be completed.

According to hospital officials, most of these bodies are of men aged above 50. They may have been from within the city or other states, but who have lived here for years.

Some are abandoned by their families. Others may have walked away from their pasts. Many are simply homeless. A large number are brought in with serious or failing health conditions.

"This number can change any day. Many people come here in critical condition and we give them the best treatment. But often they are unwilling to reveal who they are or where they come from. We can only hope they recover and speak up, but sometimes they don't make it," said Dr T P Jayaprakash, resident medical officer at the MCH.