Mumbai: Data analysis says 90 per cent who died had two comorbidities

A medic gives a booster dose to a senior citizen at BKC Jumbo Centre in Bandra. File pic

An analysis of Covid-19 deaths at SevenHills Hospital during the third wave has shown that senior citizens remain at high risk despite their vaccination status. The data shows that 72 per cent of the deceased were fully vaccinated and 37 per cent were unvaccinated. Also, 89.6 per cent of the deceased had comorbidities with more than two diseases.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) runs a Covid-19 facility at the hospital located in Marol, Andheri. It is one of the largest Covid-19 treatment facilities with over 1,800 beds. During the third wave, from December 1 to January 18, the hospital admitted 4,256 patients, of whom 135 died. According to the data analysis, 80 per cent of them were senior citizens and 17.8 per cent were in the age group of 31-59 years.

An elderly woman gets her booster shot, at Dedicated Covid Health Centre in Kanjurmarg East. File pic

BMC's Additional Commissioner Suresh Kakani said the death audit at SevenHills Hospital clearly indicates the association between comorbidities, age and Covid-19. "At SevenHills, 89.6 per cent of the deceased had two comorbidities," he said. He added that 83 per cent of them were referred from other hospitals. Dr Avinash Supe, head of the state committee for Covid-19 death audit, said that during the overall assessment, it was found that 50 per cent of the patients died within 48 hours of admission. In these cases, there was a delay of three to six days in starting treatment since the onset of the symptoms.

"During this [third] wave, we have seen that people who succumbed to Covid-19 had lower respiratory tract infection involving lungs. Senior citizens with commodities remain at high risk," he said. The analysis showed that 61.5 per cent of the patients died within one to seven days of hospitalisation, while 22.2 per cent died within eight to 14 days of hospitalisation.

Dr Gautam Bhansali, chief coordinator of all private hospitals for Covid-19 and vaccination, said the role of immunisation can't be diluted with the fact that 72 per cent died despite taking both the doses. "Age plays a vital role when we talk about immunity. Senior citizens do not have a robust immune response and that's why they are in a high-risk category. In addition to the age factor, senior citizens have comorbidities. Even with two vaccination doses, some can have a poor immune response," he said.

He advised the vaccinated senior citizens to strictly follow Covid-appropriate behaviour. "Senior citizens should get the booster dose, but at the same time avoid going to crowded places or being in a poorly ventilated room. Adhering to Covid-19 protocol is a must for.