Ondo NUJ, Teaching Hospital, Take Position On Sale Of Caskets

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has expressed concern over the blatant display and sale of coffins and caskets within the premises of the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital (UNIMEDTH), Ondo.

According to the Union, the sale occurs in close proximity to vital areas, such as the mortuary, Out Patient Department (OPD), and Emergency Unit of the UNIMED Teaching Hospital.

The Management of the hospital,  has dismissed claims that caskets are being sold within the hospital premises, clarifying that the casket storage facility at the mortuary is strictly for bodies awaiting collection by their families.

The NUJ in a communiqué at the end of its monthly Congress, called for immediate relocation of the Caskets shop operated by a private entity to a more appropriate location, away from the hospital, to prevent further psychological distress to patients.

The Union emphased the ethical implications of such activities and the potential damage it could do to the university’s reputation, given its role in health education and care.

The Management of UNIMEDTH however refutes such assertion as it is a misrepresentation of the fact.

“For clarity, the mortuary, which operates under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, has undergone significant improvements, including the construction of a designated casket storage area.

“This facility is meant for families who bring in caskets in advance for their deceased loved ones before final burial arrangements are made.

“It is not a sales outlet, nor does the hospital engage in or permit the commercial sale of caskets within its premises.

“The mortuary itself is a distinct entity, separated from the main hospital building by a fence, reinforcing its operational independence.

“Over time, the facility has enhanced its services, including the installation of modern cooling chambers, a standby power generator, and a well-maintained environment to provide dignified mortuary services.

“On rare occasions, families may choose to purchase caskets from external vendors and store them at the mortuary before the final burial rites.

“However, this should not be misinterpreted as casket sales taking place within the hospital. The primary focus of the mortuary remains the professional handling and preservation of deceased persons.

“UNIMEDTH assures the public of its commitment to maintaining a dignified, ethical, and professional healthcare environment. The management urges the public to disregard misleading information and avoid spreading unfounded claims that could cause unnecessary panic.”