The bodies of Covid-19 victims may have been flooding roads and pavements outside “house full’ crematoriums and graveyards in the national Capital, but data provided by all the three Municipal Corporation show that fewer people died in corona-ravaged March and April than January when the pandemic was on a decline.
The death figures are inclusive of both general deaths and Covid-19 fatalities.
As per the figure provided by South Delhi Municipal Corporation, 3,620 deaths were registered in January. The number came down to 3,297 in February and 3,173 in March. In April, when the city bore the brunt of corona and oxygen shortage was at its peak, the city saw 3,351 deaths, nearly ten per cent less than the January death count.
Similarly, the data provided by the North Delhi Municipal Corporation shows that the total deaths reported in January were at 1,426 and the number kept declining with the progress of Covid-19 —1,345 in February, 1,134 in March, and 1,386 in April.
The data of the East Delhi Municipal Corporation shows that a total of 8,724 deaths were registered between January and April.
In January, EDMC recorded 2,273 deaths while the numbers reported in February was at 2,214. Once again with the progress of corona the number came down — 2,006 in March, 2,231 in April and 756 up to May 10.
The reduction of death number at the peak of corona pandemic is baffling. During this period even non-Covid -19 patients were at the receiving end of unviability of medical support and could not find bed in hospitals. It’s strange how in such a situation the fatalities rate came down.
The record surge in Covid-19 cases and its impact on collapse of health service was evident. It put a great pressure on hospitals and drained every ounce of oxygen. The city witnessed chaos and despair as worried family members ran from one hospital to another to get beds for their dear ones. The health infrastructure was stretched beyond its capacity. However, situation has improved with Delhi and the Union Government adding more ICUs, oxygen beds and care facilities across the city.
When asked about the official data on the deaths during the coronavirus surge, a Delhi Government official said social media platforms were flooded with help, out of it some were not true.
“The situation is improving with every passing day. We do hope that mortality rate reduces further and patients go to their homes,” the Delhi Government official said.
