The OIJ authorities are deeply concerned about the alarming situation in the morgue, where bodies of homicide victims and traffic accident casualties are stacked on top of each other on stretchers and even on the floor.
Investigators attribute the problem to the rising homicide rates. To address this crisis, seventeen directors of the organization have written a letter to the President of the Supreme Court of Justice, Orlando Aguirre Gómez, and the General Director of the Judicial Police, Rándall Zúñiga López, drawing attention to the critical situation.
The letter discusses not only the stacking of corpses but also the challenging conditions faced by the Forensic Pathology Section staff.
“Due to the high demand for deceased individuals in the country, we often find ourselves placing two to three corpses on the same stretcher. This results from inadequate space in the refrigeration chamber and insufficient stretchers. In extreme cases, bodies have been stacked one on top of the other on the floor of the chamber,” the letter states.
It also describes the complex and time-consuming autopsies, with staff sometimes having to remove up to 20 bullets from a single body, which can take up to 7 hours.
The working conditions mentioned in the letter include long hours, inadequate staffing levels, and overwhelming caseloads, with staff sometimes performing one to four autopsies in a single day. This exceeds the recommended capacity of two autopsies per day for doctors. The combined impact of these conditions affects the staff’s psychological well-being.
The letter highlights the lack of psychological and occupational health support for the staff, who must cope with the emotional impact of their daily work without appropriate care despite the challenging circumstances.
Key Takeaways From Article
Travel Tips:
1. Be aware of the local crime situation: If you’re planning to travel to a destination with a high crime rate, it’s important to stay informed about the local crime situation. This will help you make informed decisions about your safety and take necessary precautions.
2. Understand the resources available to you: Familiarize yourself with the emergency services and law enforcement agencies in the area you’re visiting. Knowing who to contact and how to reach them can be crucial in case of an emergency.
3. Stay informed about healthcare facilities: Being aware of the healthcare facilities in the area you’re traveling to is essential. In case of any medical emergencies, know the nearest hospitals and clinics that can provide the necessary care.
4. Take necessary precautions: While traveling, it’s always important to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure your safety. This may include avoiding areas with high crime rates, not walking alone at night, and keeping your belongings secure.
5. Seek professional help, if needed: If you find yourself in a difficult or uncomfortable situation while traveling, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Local authorities, such as the police, can provide guidance and assistance in dealing with any issues you may encounter.
6. Take care of your mental health: Traveling to destinations with challenging situations, such as the one described in the text, can have an impact on your mental well-being. It’s important to prioritize your mental health and seek support if needed, whether from professionals or through self-care practices.
