Ministry Procures 2 New Berth Fridges While Jeetoo Hospital Cold Room Fails

The Health Minister has admitted that the cold room at Jeetoo Hospital’s mortuary is beyond repair, forcing the government to transfer bodies to other facilities amid a failing procurement contract.

Addressing the National Assembly on Tuesday, 17 March, Health Minister Anil Bachoo acknowledged significant failings and delays in replacing the non-operational infrastructure.

The crisis has left the major hospital reliant on “provisional measures,” including the ongoing acquisition of two-berth refrigerators and the redirection of the deceased to alternative hospital sites.

The admission followed a formal interpellation by MP Farhad Aumeer, who questioned the government’s handling of a contract first awarded on 11 December 2023.

Although the new equipment was scheduled for delivery in March 2024, it did not arrive until July 2024.

Subsequent inspections in January and August 2025 revealed persistent “anomalies” and defects that have yet to be fully rectified.

Mr. Aumeer challenged the decision to retain the current contractor, suggesting a new provider should be sought.

However, Minister Bachoo defended the ministry’s position, citing a limited number of specialized providers and the potential consequences of switching contracts mid-stream.

The government has now granted the contractor a final opportunity to resolve the issue. “We have accepted their proposal to provide new equipment at no additional cost,” the Minister informed the House.

While the new cold room remains out of service, the ministry continues to manage the backlog through temporary storage solutions across the hospital network.

Source: Defi Media