In a recent development, Mumbai's King Edward Memorial (KEM) Hospital has reported two deaths involving patients diagnosed with COVID-19. Among them was a 14-year-old minor suffering from nephrotic syndrome and a 54-year-old cancer patient. Both individuals were also COVID-positive at the time of their death, but doctors have clarified that the fatalities were primarily due to their pre-existing critical conditions and not the virus itself.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) addressed concerns following the report, confirming that these were not direct COVID-19 fatalities. According to BMC, both patients were not residents of Mumbai but had been admitted from Sindhudurg and Dombivli, Thane district. One patient succumbed to complications related to kidney failure with hypocalcemic seizures, while the other was under active cancer treatment when they contracted the virus.
Authorities emphasized that there is no reason for the public to panic. Despite a rise in the number of COVID-19 cases in May compared to earlier months, officials reiterate that the infection is now considered endemic in the region and remains under control. Sporadic infections continue to surface, but most are reported to be mild. The civic body noted that specialized hospitals such as Seven Hills and Kasturba have designated COVID-19 wards ready and can scale up capacity if the need arises. However, hospital admissions remain minimal, and no major rise in severe cases has been detected.
This local report coincides with a broader nationwide review conducted by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. On May 19, the Ministry held a meeting involving top health experts from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Emergency Medical Relief (EMR) division, Disaster Management Cell, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), and senior doctors from Central government hospitals. The session was chaired by the Director General of Health Services (DGHS).
The meeting was prompted by rising COVID-19 cases in regions such as Singapore and Hong Kong, which raised concerns about potential spillover effects. However, Indian health experts concluded that the domestic situation remains well under control. As of the latest update, India reported 257 active COVID-19 cases all classified as mild, with no hospital admissions required.
The BMC echoed this national sentiment, affirming that although Mumbai has recorded more cases in May compared to previous months, the pattern does not indicate any alarming trend. The civic administration continues to monitor the spread of the virus, and citizens are encouraged to follow basic precautions like hand hygiene, mask-wearing in crowded places, and timely medical consultation in case of symptoms.
Overall, while the recent deaths at KEM Hospital underscore the vulnerability of immunocompromised individuals, public health officials maintain that COVID-19 is currently manageable in India. The transition of the virus into an endemic stage means its presence is expected but no longer disruptive, provided existing health protocols are maintained.
