Dear Honourable Members of Parliament,
We are experiencing a surge in cases of Covid-19 and now, we are threatened by Omicron. In the next parliamentary sessions, we are expecting questions about probable detection of cases related to Omicron or closure of the frontiers with South Africa.
However, we would reiterate our concerns about the administrative face of death by Covid-19. It is positive to note after publication of Part 1 of Supplementary Thoughts and Questions published on the 16th of November 2021 in the Forum Page of Le Mauricien, we took note that the local government came forward with a decision to extend opening of cemeteries for Covid-19 death up to midnight.
It is undeniable that it is a relief for bereaved families. However, before proceeding to any cemetery, there are administrative procedures to complete for example : the requirement of a cause of death, a death certificate, a burial or cremation permit and methods of payment of concerned authorities for access to cemeteries.
Unfortunately, we are still « dans le noir » about the administrative procedures before a Covid-19 death at late hours. There is no « son de cloche » from concerned authorities. Where to go and how to proceed at late hours for administrative documents? The mere fact of opening cemeteries for Covid-19 deaths up to midnight does not reduce the administrative burden on deceased families.
We expect Members of Parliament to come up with questions like:
1- The number of deaths related to Covid-19 declared at late hours (March 2020 up to present)
2- Administrative procedures for death declaration or sanitary clearance in terms of documents required.
3- Methods of payment mode for cremation and access to cemeteries at late hours (if any).
With regard to Covid-19 related deaths, it is also expected to have a fast-track service or a one stop service with all required authorities to relieve the administrative burden and rush of members in order to avoid queues in waiting time.
In the meantime, we are still engulfed in the administrative process before giving salvation to our closed ones. We have to admit that we are in a rigid system which lacks communication and cohesion in service delivery.
Thank you
Kind Regards.
P.I.R.