The delay in operationalising the two crore rupee post mortem centre at King George’s Medical University has highlighted infrastructure gaps affecting public health in Uttar Pradesh. The centre, completed structurally but still not functional due to fund shortage, has raised questions about service capacity, legal processes and the pressure on existing forensic facilities.
Why the KGMU post mortem centre matters for UP’s public health system
A functioning post mortem centre is crucial for medico legal examinations, forensic investigations and timely identification of causes of death. In a state with high caseloads and rising demand for forensic clarity, delays directly impact families, law enforcement agencies and hospitals that depend on accurate medical documentation.
The new centre at KGMU was planned to expand forensic capacity, reduce turnaround time and ease congestion at existing facilities. With the structure ready but equipment and operational funds pending, the gap between infrastructure delivery and functional readiness has become evident. As cases accumulate, the absence of additional facilities strains staff, delays investigations and increases pressure on older buildings already handling more cases than designed.
How fund shortages stalled an almost completed facility
The building for the new post mortem centre has been completed, but crucial internal equipment, ventilation systems, safety installations and staffing approvals require additional funds that have not yet been released. Departments involved in the project are awaiting clearance for the remaining allocation.
This funding delay has turned a finished structure into an idle facility. Without refrigeration units, pathology equipment, chemical storage and waste management systems, the centre cannot legally or safely conduct examinations. Forensic centres require strict compliance with health and safety standards, and partial readiness cannot support medico legal procedures.
Impact on forensic workload and legal processes in Lucknow
At present, the existing post mortem unit continues to handle high daily volume. In a metro level medical hub like Lucknow, cases originate from multiple districts due to referrals and legal requirements. The backlog forces longer waiting times for families and slows down police investigations that depend on forensic reports.
Law enforcement agencies rely on time sensitive medico legal documentation for criminal proceedings. Delays in post mortem examinations can affect the integrity of evidence, prolong investigations and risk case complications in court. The pending operationalisation of the new centre therefore affects not just health services but the entire chain of legal procedures linked to forensic reporting.
Why UP struggles with forensic and medico legal infrastructure
Uttar Pradesh has one of the highest medico legal caseloads in the country but has historically lagged in upgrading forensic infrastructure. Many district level mortuaries operate with outdated equipment and limited staff. Urban centres like KGMU carry a disproportionate burden because cases get redirected when local facilities fail to meet requirements.
Rapid urbanisation and higher reporting of accidental and unnatural deaths have increased demand for forensic services. Without capacity expansion, large institutions face operational stress. The delay at KGMU reflects a broader challenge of project funding cycles, administrative approvals and competing priorities within public health budgets.
Consequences for families and frontline workers
Families in need of post mortem reports face extended wait times, causing emotional distress and delaying funeral processes. In cases linked to court proceedings, families must make repeated visits to hospitals or police stations for updates.
Frontline workers including forensic doctors, assistants and support staff face high workloads and limited space to perform examinations. Overcrowded facilities increase biohazard risks and reduce operational efficiency. The new centre was designed to improve working conditions, but the delay prolongs existing stress on staff.
Administrative responses and possible timeline ahead
University officials and health department representatives acknowledge that the facility cannot be operational until pending funds are released. The required amount is relatively small compared to the completed construction cost, but procedural steps have slowed disbursement.
Once funds are approved, procurement of equipment and commissioning processes will begin. This includes installation of cold chambers, autopsy tables, drainage systems, safety gear and IT infrastructure. Staffing approvals must follow to ensure trained forensic personnel are assigned before the centre opens.
If approvals move quickly, operationalisation could take a few months. However, if administrative processes stall further, the delay may extend into the next financial cycle, prolonging current capacity strain.
Why resolving the delay is critical for UP’s public health framework
Post mortem services play a foundational role in public health response. They help identify disease patterns, monitor accidental death trends and support epidemiological analysis. Without adequate forensic capacity, health authorities lose critical data needed for planning and intervention.
Strengthening forensic infrastructure aligns with broader goals to modernise UP’s healthcare ecosystem. Completing the final steps to operationalise the KGMU centre would expand capacity, improve legal systems and restore confidence among residents who depend on timely and accurate examinations.
Takeaways
The new KGMU post mortem centre is completed but non functional due to fund shortage
Workload at existing facilities has increased as forensic demand continues to rise
Delays affect families, police investigations and overall legal processes
Timely fund release and staffing approvals are essential to make the centre operational
FAQs
Why is the new post mortem centre not operational yet
The building is complete but lacks equipment and staffing approvals due to a pending fund release needed for final setup.
How is the delay affecting current forensic operations
Existing facilities are handling excessive caseloads, leading to slower examinations and delays in medico legal reporting.
Can the centre operate partially until funds arrive
No. Forensic centres must meet strict safety and equipment standards. Partial operations violate legal and medical requirements.
When is the centre likely to open
Operationalisation depends on administrative approvals. Once funds are cleared, commissioning could take a few months.