Madam, - Recent media reports have highlighted the high costs of funerals, particularly in the Dublin area. Perhaps your readers might like to know that each of the medical schools in the Republic has a programme through which members of the public can donate their bodies for medical education and research.
The generous actions of such people are greatly appreciated. Through donor programmes altruistic citizens provide the foundation of knowledge for future doctors, physiotherapists, radiographers and other healthcare professionals. For many years, the generous donations of individuals have made the study of anatomy possible.
By law, no payments may be made to donors in connection with body donations. However, medical schools can offset a significant proportion of a donor's funeral expenses should the donation be accepted.
Each school has its own procedures for entering into an agreement with donors. Anyone interested in donating their body should contact their nearest medical school. - Yours, etc,
GARY F. PERRY, Department of Human Anatomy, UCD, Dublin 4.