Pimpri-Chinchwad: Covid deaths rise three-fold in March, mortality rate still lower than Maharashtra

As the number of active Covid-19 cases has increased by nearly four times in Pimpri-Chinchwad in March, the number of deaths due to the infection has also shot up three-fold. However, Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation health officials said the mortality rate in Pimpri-Chinchwad is lower than that of Maharashtra and Pune district.

According to the figures available from PCMC health department, in January this year, 51 patients died of the infection in Pimpri-Chinchwad, and 48 patients died in March. “So far in March, we have seen 189 deaths. These are mainly co-morbid patients or senior citizens. These also include those who sought treatment late… after their condition had turned worse,” said PCMC additional health chief Dr Pavan Salve.

Health department officials, however, said the death toll was still lower than the record toll seen in September 2020. “In September last year, we had the highest number of deaths, around 450, and nearly 30,000 positive cases. Compared to September last year, we have seen fewer deaths,” said a health official.

In total, Pimpri-Chinchwad has registered 1,991 deaths of Covid-19 patients till March 29.

PCMC health chief Dr Anil Roy said, “The mortality rate in Pimpri-Chinchwad is 1.47 per cent, which is lower than that of the state (2.02) or Pune district (1.88).”

“In September last year and March this year, we have seen record number of cases and deaths… this month, we had the highest positive cases of 1,800 initially, which went up to 2,200 on Sunday,” said Dr Salve.

He said the jumbo hospital which was supposed to be start on Tuesday will take another couple of days. “…It may start in a day or two as we are getting everything in place,” said Dr Salve.

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