Management and disposal of human remains acquired for medical education – A forensic perspective

Abstract

In medical schools, the foundational subject of human anatomy usually requires the medical students to procure a set of human bones, either real or artificial, for comprehensive understanding of the human body. The proper maintenance and disposal of these human remains is the responsibility of the students and the institutions possessing the remains. Improper disposal of human remains can have far-reaching implications, including ethical, legal, public health, environmental, social, and psychological consequences. We present a case of a human skull used for medical studies found dumped in a garbage, leading to unnecessary investigation by the law authorities. The case brings to light the need for including ethical disposal of academic human skeletons at the beginning of the medical curriculum. The authors also discuss in detail the various legal provisions and cultural practices of disposal of human remains in the Indian scenario.