'Set up one-stop platform for after-death procedures'

Ombudsman Jack Chan on Wednesday urged the government to set up a one-stop thematic website for after-death arrangements so the public do not have to go to various sites to get information. Chan's office investigated public services relating to after-death arrangements, including death registrations, mortuary services, cremations and burial services. He noted that these services are provided by different government departments, and people seeking information might have to check with each one. Chan said the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department launched its own after-death arrangements thematic website in November, but the authorities should set up a website coordinating services by all the various departments. "It would be most useful and helpful to the bereaved families if there's one thematic interdepartmental website so that the family could just use that website to gather all the essential information," he said. "The second recommendation is to provide a digital form for the bereaved family to apply for different certificates and procedures, instead of having to go to different departments and authorities to apply for different certifications or whatever document they need." Chan also suggested the government provide more electronic application procedures to make services more convenient for the public.