Autopsies delayed in Guam due to lack of permanent examiner

Posted on Apr 05 2019

HAGATNA, Guam (AP)—Guam has experienced significant delays in autopsies since the retirement of the island’s chief medical examiner.

The Pacific Daily News reported Wednesday that the retirement at the end of January has caused delays of criminal cases, as well as exams of people who died from natural causes.

Funeral officials say grieving families can be left waiting for days at a time while postmortem examinations are done by a Saipan-based pathologist who travels 136 miles (219 kilometers) to Guam and stays for only a few days at a time.

Officials say autopsies must be performed on those who die within 24 hours of a hospital admission and on bodies that are to be transported off the island or cremated.

Press Release

News under Press Release are official statements issued to Saipan Tribune giving information on a particular matter.

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