MHA says airport officials have to follow the obligations laid down by various government agencies in this regard.
New Delhi| The MHA on Saturday, permitted to bring back the bodies of Indian nationals and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cardholders who died abroad due to COVID-19 while ensuring strict adherence to appropriate guidelines.
The ministry, in an official communication, said airport authorities have to adhere to the protocols set by different government agencies in this regard and that the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) issued by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW).
As per Standard Operating Procedures, the human remains mean the dead body and the exhumed body of positive or suspected COVID-19 patients. It says the importation of the human remains of confirmed or suspected COVID-19 case into India is not recommended.
The Home Ministry said if contrary to the above recommendation, human remains of the suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19 arrive at Indian airports, the concerned Airport Health Officer (APHO) has to follow certain procedures.
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The Airport Health Officer will verify the death certificate stating the cause of death as confirmed COVID-19 or suspected COVID-19, it said.
Nearly to 6,300 Indian nationals abroad have tested positive for novel coronavirus across 50 countries in the world.
The number of death of Indian nationals caused by novel coronavirus abroad has reached 40 according to data.
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