Covid death data is authentic, says Rajasthan health minister Raghu Sharma

JAIPUR: Health minister Raghu Sharma on Wednesday claimed there was no cover up of Covid death data and due to the efforts of the state government, the rate was less compared to other states.
Since the outbreak of Covid till May 25, a total of 7,911 Covid deaths have been reported. Sharma said highest number of 5,093 deaths was reported in April and May this year during the second wave. In the previous 13 months till March, a total of 2,818 casualties were reported. These include a total of 1,632 deaths between August and November and 1,186 in the remaining 9 months.
The minister said the state government was making sure to keep a record of every death caused by Covid in hospitals. “It has been our endeavour since the first wave that there should be clarity in the data. Strict instructions have been given to the lower level in this regard so that there is no manipulation at any level. We are worried about the lives of people, not the figures,” claimed the minister.
Sharma said Rajasthan is a big state with a population of over 8 crore. In such, deaths due to diseases, accidents, old age and other reasons are natural in addition to Covid fatalities in various districts. “It is possible that some patients due to ignorance or negligence haven’t been admitted to hospitals. In cases where the patient has not undergone a Covid tests, such deaths are not counted as Covid deaths,” he said.
Sharma said the medical department was ensuring regular online maintenance of data including sampling, positive cases and deaths. The data released at the government level is completely factual and authentic.
The minister has appealed to people to get themselves tested if they have Covid-like symptoms. He said the state government was providing the facility of investigation and treatment in rural areas through door-to-door survey. “People should cooperate with the government. Do not hide if you have symptoms, but get treatment immediately after getting tested,” he added.