Excess Deaths in India During the COVID-19 Pandemic
The Government of India released data revealing the human toll of the COVID-19 second wave in 2021. The report indicates nearly 2.1 million excess deaths compared to expected figures. This number provides a clearer picture of the pandemic’s impact on India’s population.
About Excess Deaths
Excess deaths refer to the number of deaths during an unusual period compared to a normal period. In this context, the normal years are defined as 2018 to 2020. The excess death metric accounts for both direct and indirect impacts of the pandemic. It provides vital information about the healthcare system’s strain during COVID-19.
Sample Registration System (SRS) Overview
The Sample Registration System is a demographic survey used in India to estimate death rates. It employs a nationally representative sample of households. This method allows for estimating actual deaths, including those not registered. The SRS is crucial for understanding population health trends.
COVID-19 Death Toll Estimates
The official COVID-19 death toll reported by the Indian health ministry was 333,333 in 2021. However, the excess deaths figure is 6.4 times higher. This discrepancy marks potential underreporting of COVID-19 deaths. States like Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh showed the highest ratios of excess deaths to reported deaths.
Delayed Data Release and Its Implications
The release of the 2021 SRS data was delayed. Typically, such reports are published within 24 months. The delay raised questions about the accuracy and transparency of the data. Previous estimates by the World Health Organisation and private agencies had suggested higher death tolls.
Civil Registration System (CRS) Context
The Civil Registration System records officially registered deaths in India. However, it does not account for unregistered deaths. The SRS complements the CRS by providing a more comprehensive view of mortality rates. Both systems are essential for understanding the true impact of health crises.
Impact of the Pandemic on Healthcare
The COVID-19 pandemic severely tested India’s healthcare infrastructure. The chaos in healthcare made accurate death counting challenging.
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