Post-mortem examination to be made compulsory in case of sudden death

BENGALURU: Cases of heart attacks are on the rise in the state, with Hassan witnessing a significant increase of 40 cases in less than two months. Young people and those above 40 are dying suddenly, and the cause of these deaths is unknown. To determine the cause, the Health Department has made post-mortem examinations mandatory.

Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao has instructed officials that cases of sudden deaths outside hospitals, it be classified as a ‘notified disease’. The minister has also announced that post-mortem examinations will be mandatory in such cases. However, it’s unlikely that all family members will agree to post-mortem examinations, so the government may consider introducing a law making it compulsory.

Private hospitals will also be required to notify the government of such cases, and failure to do so will result in action being taken. This will help identify the causes of sudden deaths and aid in notification.

Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said, “We will discuss them one after another on a priority basis. It cannot be enforced quickly, it needs some time. Some decisions need notifications, and there may be legal hurdles. We will take action based on the report. We will investigate special cases and circumstances. There is a need to create awareness about increasing heart attack cases among the public”.