New Delhi: More than 9,000 people died due to respiratory diseases in Delhi in 2024, underscoring growing public health concerns in the national capital as air quality challenges, lifestyle diseases, and infectious illnesses continue to weigh heavily on the population. According to the latest data released by the Delhi government, a total of 9,211 deaths were attributed to respiratory system-related diseases during the year, marking an increase from 8,801 such deaths recorded in 2023.

The data, reported by news agency PTI, highlights a steady upward trend in fatalities linked to respiratory ailments over the past few years. Common conditions contributing to these deaths include asthma, pneumonia, lung cancer, and tuberculosis, all of which are associated with breathing difficulties and are often exacerbated by environmental and socio-economic factors.

Respiratory diseases were among the leading causes of death in the city, although diseases of the circulatory system continued to top the list. In 2024, circulatory system-related diseases accounted for 21,262 deaths, making them the single largest contributor to mortality in Delhi. Infectious and parasitic diseases followed, causing 16,060 deaths during the same period. Mental and behavioural disorders accounted for a relatively small number of fatalities, with 62 deaths reported in 2024.

The overall mortality figures for the city also showed a notable rise. Delhi recorded a total of approximately 1.39 lakh deaths in 2024, compared to around 1.32 lakh deaths in 2023, indicating a year-on-year increase. This rise translated into a higher daily average of deaths as well. In 2024, the city recorded an average of 381 deaths per day, up from 363 deaths per day in the previous year.

A gender-wise breakdown of the mortality data reveals that men accounted for the majority of registered deaths in 2024. Of the total deaths recorded, 85,391 were males, 54,051 were females, and 38 deaths were classified under other genders. Out of the total registered deaths, 90,883 were medically certified, reflecting deaths that occurred under medical supervision or were verified by healthcare professionals.

The data also sheds light on broader demographic trends in the capital, including changes in birth rates and infant mortality. Delhi registered a total of 3,06,459 births in 2024, a decline from 3,15,087 births recorded in 2023. This reduction in births contributed to a lower average number of births per day, which stood at 837 in 2024 compared to 863 in the previous year.

The city’s birth rate for 2024 was recorded at 14 births per 1,000 people, down from 14.66 in 2023. In contrast, the death rate increased from 6.16 per 1,000 people in 2023 to 6.37 per 1,000 people in 2024. Together, these figures point to a narrowing gap between births and deaths, a trend that public health experts often associate with urbanisation, changing family structures, and evolving health risks.

Despite the rise in overall deaths, Delhi showed a marginal improvement in infant mortality. The Infant Mortality Rate (IMR), which measures the number of deaths of infants under one year of age per 1,000 live births, declined slightly to 22.4 in 2024 from 23.61 in 2023. While the improvement is modest, it suggests incremental gains in maternal and child healthcare services in the city.

The sex ratio at birth, however, showed a slight decline. In 2024, Delhi recorded a sex ratio at birth of 920 females per 1,000 males, down from 922 in 2023. This indicator continues to reflect persistent gender imbalances, despite long-running awareness campaigns and policy interventions aimed at addressing the issue.

According to the government report, the data on births and deaths was collected on a monthly basis from 100 major hospitals across Delhi. These hospitals account for nearly 69.75% of all registered births in the city during 2024, making the dataset a substantial representation of broader demographic trends, though not entirely exhaustive.

Public health experts have long warned that respiratory diseases pose a serious and growing challenge for Delhi, particularly in the context of chronic air pollution, high population density, and seasonal spikes in respiratory infections. While the government data does not directly link pollution levels to the rise in respiratory deaths, the increase aligns with long-standing concerns raised by medical professionals about the cumulative health impact of poor air quality.

The figures also point to the continued burden of infectious diseases, including tuberculosis and pneumonia, which remain significant contributors to mortality despite advances in medical treatment and public health outreach. At the same time, the high number of deaths due to circulatory system diseases highlights the growing prevalence of non-communicable diseases such as heart disease and stroke, often associated with sedentary lifestyles, stress, and dietary factors in urban environments.

Looking ahead, the data takes on added significance in light of population projections for the national capital. Delhi’s population is expected to rise to around 2.65 crore by 2036, an increase that will place additional pressure on healthcare infrastructure, housing, transport, and environmental resources. Managing the twin challenges of communicable and non-communicable diseases in such a rapidly growing мегacity will require sustained policy focus and investment.

In summary, the Delhi government’s 2024 data paints a complex picture of the city’s public health landscape. While there have been small gains in areas such as infant mortality, the rise in deaths due to respiratory and circulatory diseases, along with an overall increase in mortality, underscores the urgent need for strengthened healthcare systems, preventive public health measures, and long-term strategies to address environmental and lifestyle-related risks.