Death rates not deliberately concealed; if any complaints in early deaths, it will be resolved, says health minister

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The government is not deliberately hiding the death rates due to Covid-19, said Health Minister Veena George. The delay in reporting early deaths were part of ensuring transparency. With the introduction of the transparent online system after the new government assumed power, deaths are being reported within 24 hours, she said.

The deaths are confirmed by the doctors who examine the patients. The deaths are certified based on the guidelines of the ICMR and World Health Organization. The state has not added or subtracted anything new in these guidelines. The states cannot make any changes in it. If there are complaints in early deaths, they will definitely be investigated and resolved. There will be no need to go into offices for this. If there is a complaint, just send an e-mail, she said.

The system has been made transparent now because the government has nothing to hide. The state has also seen a significant reduction in deaths in the second wave of Covid. Necessary action will be taken in case of any failure to report any death. The government wants to make the aid available to all those who deserve it, she said.