Last rites now a bone of contention
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A bit of non secular our bodies within the State have sought permission to scrub the our bodies as nicely
Kozhikode: Last rites of COVID-19 victims look like snowballing into a recent row having political overtones after the Indian Union Muslim League just lately threw its weight behind non secular teams which have sought tweaking of the Health Department directives. Meanwhile, the newest pointers introduced out by the World Health Organization (WHO) say that individuals who die of COVID-19 will be “buried or cremated” based on “local standards and family preferences”.
T. Jayakrishnan, Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College Hospital, Kozhikode, factors out that it’s the responsibility of the kin to make sure the final rites to the departed. He says, quoting the WHO pointers, that nationwide and native laws may decide how the stays needs to be dealt with and disposed. Family and mates might view the physique after it has been ready for burials, in accordance with native customs. They, nevertheless, “should not touch or kiss the body” and may carry out hand hygiene after the viewing.
The pointers of the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare are considerably comparable. Religious rituals reminiscent of studying from non secular scripts, sprinkling holy water and another final rites that don’t require touching of the physique will be allowed, they are saying.
Though the State authorities just lately allowed kin of the deceased to have a closing glimpse of their pricey ones earlier than cremation or burial, a part of non secular our bodies have sought permission to scrub the our bodies as nicely. A latest assembly of Muslim organisations determined to petition the Chief Minister and the Health Minister to drive house their level.
WHO norms
The WHO says a physique in a physique bag or coffin must be handled in accordance with native customs and requirements. If a physique will likely be buried or cremated with out a casket or physique bag, surgical or waterproof rubber gloves can be utilized to position the physique within the grave or the funeral pyre. If conventional funeral rituals are required, households and conventional burial attendants will be geared up and instructed within the preparation of our bodies for burial or cremation. Although burials or cremations ought to happen in a well timed method and in accordance with native practices, funeral ceremonies that don’t contain the disposal of the physique needs to be postponed, if attainable, till the top of the epidemic. If a ceremony is held, the quantity of contributors needs to be stored to a minimal, says the WHO.
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