WHO estimate
In a densely populated nation such as India, where birth and death numbers vary each second, it is almost impossible to arrive at correct figures (Page 1, “WHO estimates 4.7 million COVID-linked deaths in India”, May 6). Having said that, the number of deaths relating to COVID-19, without an iota of doubt, has been huge. The very fact that data has not been provided with reference to age, gender and hospital figures raise a huge cloud over the reporting of the figures. While a strong database has never been the strong point of India, the deaths due to other causes, viz., old age, serious terminal illness and accidents, have immensely contributed to underreporting. If the Indian data was found wanting, WHO’s report — 10 times the numbers — is no better. WHO needs to back its claim with authenticity, else it would lose its credentials. And in the battle between findings, no one seems to spare a thought for those who faded away.
In the end, the lesson is that India needs a strong database.
