​By Aabigayle McIntosh

The government has purchased six freezer facilities in Antigua and Barbuda to boost mortuary services. This follows a concern expressed by Pathologist Dr. Lester Simon over the facility’s current state.

Information Minister Melford Nicholas discussed some of the challenges and the plans for the future. However, he did not disclose the timeline for delivery of the freezers.

“It seems that, in many instances, most of these suppliers do not have ready-made packages sitting on the shelf for you to purchase. They are built to the user’s specification, and that determines the implementation time,” Nicholas said.

Chief Pathologist Dr Lester Simon is also concerned about a facility housing the mortuary services.

“Specifically, Dr. Lester Simon was considering the type of ventilation system that will be installed and ensuring that all the attending technicians including the Laboratory techs, and where coronary processes are being undertaken.

Members of the Constabulary as well, will not be exposed to any food limited.

The government said the upgrades to the mortuary form part of a thrust to protect staffers when dealing with right nemdoes.