The majority of the 21 funeral homes operating in St Catherine are unsatisfactory.
Acting Chief Public Health Inspector, Grayson Hutchinson, provided a report as he addressed the general monthly meeting of the St Catherine Municipal Corporation last Thursday.
He says only five of the establishments are operating satisfactorily as they’ve met the criteria for certification or licenses.
Mr. Hutchinson said the unsatisfactory establishments lacked the basic requirements needed to operate a funeral home.
He says they’re operating without fire extinguishers, adequate storage for instruments, documentary evidence of waste incineration, biohazard bags, and first aid kits.
Mr. Hutchinson says there’s also no evidence that workers have been immunized.
He says although funeral homes are unregulated in Jamaica the St Catherine Health Department will continue its vigilance.
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