CARE OF THE DEAD

DR. (LT. COL.) D. ACHARYA

M.S. (Delhi) P.H.D.H.H.M. (Pune)
H.O.D. – HEALTHCARE
I.C.R.I. - AHMEDABAD
INTRODUCTION
 Respect &cultural sensitivity should
always be maintained when dealing with
the deceased and their families.
 Our attitudes on how we care for the
living are often reflected in our attitudes
on how we care for the dead.
 History of the care of the dead has been
well documented over the years from
ancient times.
INDIAN SCENARIO
 In our country it is a major social event.
 Here there is respect for the living as well
as the dead.
 Religious ceremony public / society
involvement is there in every case of death.
 Has to be carried out by a qualified priest
irrespective of religion of the deceased.
 The cremation of a dead human body is
considered as final disposition of that body.
MULTIPLICITY OF RELIGIOUS
FAITHS
 CUSTOMS &RITUALS SURROUNDING
DEATH----AS DEATH APPROACHES….
 ISLAM—Muslims believe in an afterlife & a day of
judgement.
 Death is considered to be Allah’s will and is not the
end but a temporary separation.
 It is important for a muslim to seek forgiveness for
violations against humans & forgiveness from
GOD for sins commited.
 Visitors—consider it aform of worship.
 Zam-Zam / verses from KORAN.
CONT’D…
 HINDUISM---Comforted by readings from holy
books / hindu priest perform rites—name of
GOD being recited.
 SIKHISM—Reciting hyms from holy book—
AMRIT—5 K’S SHOULD BE ON THE DEAD
BODY---WAHEGURU.
 BUDDHISM—Death is merely the separation of
causes &conditions that have formed the body
&mind. Any medications that may cloud the
mind may be declined. Concept of BARDO
[REBIRTH].
CONT’D…
 CHRISTIANITY—Prayers / Priest –
burried with respect.
 JUDAISM—Prayers recited by a RABBI
—Dying person should not be left alone.
Any Jews present should recite psalms
—declaration of faith [shema]. Burial
should occur as soon as possible [but
not on Sabbath or holy days]. Post
mortems are disliked.
RESPECT & DIGNITY
 Undertaker was considered a person
who had a trade & he performed a
service to the families of the dead.
 English funeral is like a performance.
 Mourners—gloom & despair.
 America—incl. church services,
ceremonies, prayers ,gatherings etc.
 Today in America—funeral homes /
directors—before trip to the cemetry.
MORTUARY
 Render proper services—Electrical
crematorium.
 Mannual method.

 INFORMATION TO THE RELATIVES.

 PREPARATION OF THE DEAD BODY.

EMBALMING FACILITIES
 Christians.
 Members of church felt important.
 Dignity became part of the service.
 Washing the body by member of the
same sex.
 Putting good smelling oil over it.
 Wrapped in layers of cloth.
 EMBALMERS.—Moving from one type of
relationship to another.
CUSTOMS
 MUSLIMS---Face towards Mecca.
 Otherwise to right.
 HINDUS---Body should be straight with
eyes closed.
 Children under 3 are buried.
 Non muslims should ask for permission
to touch the body.
REGULATIONS
 BURIAL TRANSIT PERMIT—For shipment of
body signed by local registrar / authority.
 Distance from top of the box containing the
casket shall be at least 3 & half ft. [106.68cm]
from the natural surface of the ground.
 If casket is placed in an approved metal, or
concrete or similar vault—the distance from top
of vault should be 18 inches [45.72cm] from
natural surface of the ground.
 Cover of vault should be flush with natural
surface of ground.
CONT’D…
 SEXTON---NAME / AGE / SEX / DATE
&PLACE OF DEATH /DATE OF BURIAL.
 PLACE OF BURIAL, BLOCK, LOT
&GRAVE.
 NUMBER OF BURIAL PERMIT.
 NAME / ADDRESS OF FUNERAL
PRACTIONER.
 STATE HEALTH DEPTT. SHOULD
MAINTAIN DETAILED REGISTER.
THANK YOU