The latest data from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) has revealed that the Covid-19 pandemic has become the leading cause of death in India. The IHME is an independent research center globally recognized for its work in health metrics and evaluation, located at the University of Washington, US.
Death Due to Covid-19 Pandemic
As per the information given by IHME, India has reported over 19 million confirmed cases of Covid-19, making it the second country with the highest number of cases after the United States. The country has also witnessed over 215,000 deaths due to the virus. The recent escalation in the death toll marks a grim milestone, with the pandemic causing more than twice the number of deaths compared to over 320 natural disasters that occurred between 2000 and 2019.
Other Top Causes of Deaths in India
Before the emergence of Covid-19 as the primary cause of death, various other diseases held this status. The top ten included Ischemic heart disease, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Strokes, Diarrhoeal diseases, Neonatal disorders, Lower respiratory infections, Tuberculosis, Diabetes mellitus, and Chronic liver diseases including cirrhosis.
Reasons for Covid-19 being the Leading Cause of Death
Several factors have contributed to the rise of Covid-19 as the dominant cause of mortality in India. One of the reasons is the new variant of SARS-CoV-2 called the ‘double mutant’ B.1.617, which originated in India and has posed significant risks due to its higher rates of transmission.
The crisis has been further exacerbated due to various shortcomings. These include a lack of preparedness by governments, inadequate health infrastructure, a shortage of medical oxygen and medicines. The Supreme Court and High Court have criticized both Central and State Governments for underestimating the severity of the crisis and failing to manage it effectively.
Unsatisfactory Vaccine Procurement and Pricing Policy
As per experts, India’s Covid-19 vaccine procurement and pricing policy have also been a source of concern. The reliance on state governments to secure their quotas of vaccines has resulted in delays and an uneven distribution.
A Call for Stringent Measures
In light of this situation, the IHME has advised governments to enforce strict physical distancing measures for a minimum of six weeks once the death rate goes beyond 8 per million. The Supreme Court has also suggested that authorities should consider implementing lockdowns if necessary, while taking care not to jeopardize people’s livelihoods.