Profile of medico-legal autopsy cases performed during COVID-19 pandemic lockdown atmortuary of Civil Hospital and B. J. Medical College in Ahmedabad, Gujarat

Abstract

On 24th March 2020, the Government of India ordered a nationwide lockdown for 21 days, starting from 25th March, limiting the movement of India's entire 1.3 billion population as a preventive measure against the COVID-19 pandemic in India. The Lockdown eventually extended in 4 phases, spanning entire 68 days till 31st May 2020. The first of its kind lockdown impacted the lives of all the countrymen in different aspects, viz. personal, social, psychological and economic aspects. The different studies carried out in the past had proven that the profile of Medico-legal autopsy cases in particular geographical regions reflects the crime prevailing in the society. It helps to assess the social and economic profile of the deceased. It is necessary for understanding the nature of crime in a particular area. It helps identify the demographic needs and take necessary preventive measures to stop the crime or unnatural deaths using spreading awareness and psychological counselling if needed. This study was carried out retrospectively on death cases brought for medico-legal autopsies at the mortuary of Civil Hospital and B. J. Medical College, Ahmedabad between the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown period of 25th March 2020 to 31st May 2020.