85% Covid deaths among those with chronic diseases: HPB Director

 

The Health Ministry said today that 85% of the 6,985 Covid-19 deaths that have been reported upto August 13, were among people who were suffering from chronic diseases and under medical treatment previously.

Health Promotion Bureau (HPB) Director Dr. Ranjith Batuwanthudawa told a news conference that a total number of 2,261 (53%) of the deaths among people who had been suffering from diabetes, while 2,202 (52%) were under treatment for high blood pressure.

He said some 1,001 (24) out of the total deaths reported upto August 13 were among those who were suffering from heart ailments and around 800 (18%) were suffering from chronic kidney diseases.

Dr. Batuwanthudawa also said around 445 (10%) Covid deaths have been reported among those who were suffering from Asthma.