Covid-19 Death Certificate Guidelines: Union Govt Issues Rules After Supreme Court's Observations

Centre has informed the Supreme Court that the Health Ministry & the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) have come out with rules for issuing an official document for Covid-19 related deaths. The affidavit was submitted nearly 10 days after SC rapped the centre over the delay in issuing guidelines. The guidelines say that only those Covid-19 cases will be considered which have been diagnosed through RT-PCR test, rapid-antigen test, molecular test. Rules point out that deaths due to poisoning, suicide, homicide and accident, among others, will not be considered as Covid-19 deaths, even if the infection is an accompanying condition. The rules mention where MCCD (Medical Certification of Cause of Death) is not available, or the family of the dead individual is not satisfied with the reason of demise & which are not covered by the above situations, states & union territories shall notify a committee at the district level. Applications for issuing the document and for redressal of grievances shall be disposed of within 30 days of submission. Watch the video to know more.