Context: An accurate count of mortality during a pandemic is possible if a database is created on the basis of demographic principles rather than epidemiological models based on suspect assumptions.
Issues in counting deaths: The problems in counting deaths are two-fold:
Way Forward:
Conclusion: An inquiry on excess deaths need not be attempted, but it should ideally be assessed as a deviation from the normal course of mortality backed by demographic principles and sound information base rather than epidemiological models based on suspect inputs and numerous assumptions.