Accumulation of bodies at the IML in Alagoas raises concern; Public Ministry and Legal Medical Institute seek emergency solution.

After an emergency meeting, the Legal Medical Institute (IML) and the Public Ministry of Alagoas (MP/AL) are mobilizing to proceed with the release of part of the bodies that are accumulated at the institute’s headquarters. Even after undergoing autopsies, 284 bodies are still awaiting release for burial.

The meeting between the bodies aimed to discuss the situation of the bodies and remains kept at the IML and the need for burials in the capital of Alagoas. The inspection carried out by the 62nd Public Prosecutor’s Office of the Capital found an alarming number of bodies and bones, some of which had been stored for more than a decade. In view of this, a joint action was planned to speed up the release of the identified bodies.

Prosecutor Karla Padilha, responsible for External Control, highlighted the urgency in resolving the problem, emphasizing that the storage of corpses is not the responsibility of the IML and that the situation represents a risk to public health.

The director of the Legal Medical Institute, Felipe Porciúncula, reported in response to a letter from the Prosecutor’s Office that the IML has a total of 284 bodies and remains, all of which have already been autopsied, awaiting the necessary measures for inhumation. The lack of computerized records was pointed out as one of the reasons for the difficulty in managing these bodies.

During the visit to the IML, a lack of data crossing between the unclaimed corpses and the Sinalid system records was identified. This gap makes it difficult to identify possible missing victims and match them with PLID/AL lists.

Plid coordinator, Marluce Falcão, highlighted the importance of working together to locate the victims’ families and arrange for the burial of the bodies already identified. The collaboration of several bodies is essential for the success of this operation.

The IML director highlighted the need for more spaces in Maceió’s cemeteries for the burial of bodies, highlighting that the lack of adequate space is an obstacle to definitively solving the problem. The provision of 360 drawers is considered essential to meet IML’s long-term demands.

Faced with this critical situation, it is essential that the competent authorities act quickly and effectively to give dignity to the dead and guarantee the health security of the population. Collaboration between the IML, the Public Ministry and other bodies involved is essential to overcome this challenge.