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Delhi: A new report from the Delhi government has revealed that infectious and parasitic diseases were responsible for nearly 24 percent of all deaths in the capital last year. According to the Medical Certification of Cause of Deaths (MCCD) Report 2023, issued by the Directorate of Economics and Statistics, around 21,000 people died due to illnesses like cholera, diarrhoea, tuberculosis, and hepatitis B. These figures are part of the 88,628 institutional deaths recorded in the city in 2023.
Alarming Rise in Deaths Due to Infections
The report showed that out of nearly 89,000 deaths registered in Delhi, a significant number were due to infectious diseases. The government data shows that diseases such as cholera, diarrhoea, and tuberculosis remain major health challenges, contributing to nearly one-fourth of the total institutional deaths.
Cancer Deaths Also on the Rise
In addition to infectious diseases, cancer-related deaths saw an increase. In 2023, 6,054 deaths were attributed to cancer, marking a 12 percent rise from the 5,409 cases reported in 2022. This suggests a growing concern around cancer as a leading cause of death in the capital.
Infant Mortality: Causes and Numbers
The report also provided insights into infant mortality rates. The highest number of infant deaths were due to slow foetal growth, malnutrition, and immaturity, which accounted for 1,517 deaths. Other significant causes included pneumonia (1,373 cases), septicaemia (1,109 cases), and respiratory conditions like birth asphyxia and hypoxia (704 cases).
Age Groups Most Affected
Age-wise, the report indicated that people aged 45-64 years experienced the highest number of deaths, with 28,611 fatalities (32.28 per cent). This was followed by those aged 65 and above, with 26,096 deaths (29.44 per cent).
(with inputs from PTI)