Custodial deaths with respect to communicable diseases: A 5-years retrospective analysis in north eastern Delhi

Infectious diseases continue to pose a significant threat to public health, particularly indeveloping nations like India. Communicable diseases, better-known as infectious diseases, are illnesses caused by microorganismsthat can be transmitted from person to personparticularly, affecting the most vulnerable members of society such that the person under the custody, where limitation may arise even for the fundamental rights such as that right to health.

To determine the pattern of the communicable diseases common among the person in custody, leading to contagious infection and death which were autopsied in northeast region of Delhi.

To find the trend, a retrospective autopsy-based study on communicable disease prevalence in Northeast Delhi region for duration of five years (2019 to 2023).

A majority of deaths occurred in custody was due to natural causes 78.3% (n=65). Among the natural causes, communicable diseases contributed t3% (n=41). Among communicable diseases, tuberculosis 42.8%(n=18) was observed most common disease followed by HIV 9.5%(n=4).

By necessary screening of inmates for transmittable infectious agents, periodic health checkups, adult vaccination, adequacy of health care services, proper sanitation and hygiene the communicable disease bay. This need everyone’s participation as member of the society and prioritizing the needs of vulnerable populations, we can mitigate the impact of communicable diseases and build healthier, more resilient societies in both side of the custodial wall.