BODIES stored in mortuaries around the country need to be buried as quickly as possible because sporadic temperatures changes due to frequent power outages quicken their rate of decomposition.
The Ministry of Health is calling all families and relatives with loved ones stored in mortuaries to use the short time frame between the receeding of floodwaters and three tropical depressions within the Fiji group developing into cyclones to bury their dead.
Ministry of Health spokesperson Peni Namotu said most of their major hospitals and health centres were running on back-up generators.
He said the burials would free up much needed space and prevent the deterioration of bodies.
Meanwhile, he said all staff members in health centres and major hospitals in the Western Division were on 12-hour shifts.
"Health officials are assisting in the setting up of evacuation centres," Mr Namotu said.
"Environmental health inspectors are evaluating these centres, making sure there are proper toilets and shower facilities and ensuring people have access to clean and safe water for consumption and cooking," he said.
Mr Namotu said medical supplies in all health centres and major hospitals were adequate because they had all received their drugs for the second quarter.
He also asked patients from the special outpatient departments of major hospitals around the country to listen for appointment cancellations or clarify their appointments.
"Once again, we urge people to follow safety measures set in place, do what you can, and most of all we urge parents to watch their children."