Profile of medico-legal autopsy cases performed during COVID-19 pandemic lockdown at mortuary 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.