Committee appointed to review Covid-19 related deaths

With the sudden increase in Covid-19 deaths in the country for the last three weeks, a panel of experts was appointed by the Director-General of Health Services to evaluate the deaths related to Covid-19, Chief Epidemiologist Dr. Sudath Samaraweera said today.

Addressing the media, he said the committee would review matters such as whether the Covid-19 deaths occur as a result of an exacerbation of chronic diseases.

“They will also look into the situation whether there is a delay in seeking medical treatment from the part of patients or whether there is a delay in attending to the duty on the part of doctors, nurses etc,” he said.

Dr Samaraweera said the fact that a considerable number of deaths had been reported at residences, would also be taken into account.

“The panel of experts will also analyze what should be done to bring down the number of deaths in the country,” he added.

He said the committee was expected to submit the recommendation within a week.

Dr  Samaraweera underlined that the fatality rate in the country stands at 0.28, which was at 0.38.

The committee chaired by Primary Care Services Director at the Ministry of Health, Dr Priyantha Atapattu comprises of Chief Judicial Medical Officer of Colombo Dr Ajith Tennakoon and Epidemiologist Dr Hasitha Tissera.(Sheain Fernandopulle)