Kottayam: A card with a modest design extending a cordial invitation to the inauguration of a mortuary of a private hospital in Kottayam has evoked comments spiced with mordant humour on social media. 'You're cordially invited to the mortuary opening', reads the card issued by a hospital at Vazhoor.

Netizens couldn't help but wonder about the sombre invite. "I'm confused about the functions now," a user asked. Another person was curious: "What's the dress code?" Others were more direct: "Black humour, absolute gold, invite pro max."

The hospital authorities find a purpose in their act, though. "We wanted to inform people about the new mortuary facility, as there was none available in Vazhoor. Residents have to travel 25 to 30 km to hospitals equipped with a mortuary," hospital administrator TV Mathew said.

"In some cases, after a person is declared dead, the family has to shift the body to distant locations just to access the morgue." The hospital expects around 50 people to turn up for the event.

The hospital, which operates with 18 beds and six doctors, has added an eight-cell mortuary. Panchayat president Thomas Vettuvelil will inaugurate the mortuary. "Residents here have struggled without a mortuary for quite some time. The nearest government hospitals with such facilities are in Pampady and Kanjirappally, 15 to 20 km away. Many people cannot afford the travel expenses. With this new facility, the community feels a sense of relief now," he said.