In 2023, around 21,000 deaths in Delhi were attributed to infectious and parasitic diseases, according to a recent report by the Directorate of Economics and Statistics of the Delhi government. This represents about 24% of the 88,628 total institutional deaths recorded in the capital. The report identifies cholera, typhoid, diarrhea, gastroenteritis, tuberculosis, and hepatitis B as major contributors to this mortality rate.
Leading Causes of Death: Septicemia emerged as the primary cause, leading to 15,332 deaths, while tuberculosis accounted for 3,904 deaths. This marked a rise from 2022, where infectious diseases resulted in 17,117 deaths, or 21% of that year’s total institutional deaths.
Demographic Insights: The highest mortality rate was observed among individuals aged 45-64, with significant infant deaths also reported, due to issues like slow fetal growth and pneumonia.
Year-over-Year Comparison: Institutional deaths in Delhi increased from 81,630 in 2022 to 88,628 in 2023, indicating an upward trend in overall mortality. Deaths from cancer and related diseases also saw a 12% increase, rising to 6,054 in 2023 from 5,409 in 2022.
This data reveals a persistent public health challenge posed by infectious diseases in Delhi, emphasizing the need for improved public health strategies and access to healthcare for at-risk populations. These findings are expected to guide policymakers and health planners in creating targeted interventions to address these urgent issues effectively.
