Audit reveals prolonged body storage and management failures at Paphos General Hospital mortuary
A special report by Cyprus’s Audit Office has revealed that bodies were kept for months and even years in the mortuary refrigeration unit at Paphos General Hospital, far exceeding the recommended 30-day international standard. The report emerged following a serious refrigeration system failure in May 2026, when several bodies were found stored for between 39 and 1,040 days. Significant gaps in identification, traceability, and documentation of the bodies were also highlighted.
The report uncovered severe shortcomings in maintenance practices, including a non-operational alarm system and no systematic temperature logging. Staffing issues compounded the problem, with a single mortuary assistant responsible for multiple critical duties until May 2026, after which no replacement was appointed. Furthermore, no business continuity plan existed to address equipment failures, despite similar incidents in the past.
The Health Ministry and State Health Services Organisation (SHSO) acknowledged some of the issues, stating they have begun implementing corrective measures such as installing new alarm systems and drafting emergency plans. The Audit Office called for strict adherence to international storage standards, improved equipment maintenance, and clarified responsibilities between authorities to ensure dignified treatment and proper management of mortuary services at Paphos General Hospital.
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