Official tally of COVID-19 cases 10 times less than real numbers - Anti-Corruption Agency of Uzbekistan

AKIPRESS.COM - The official statistics on coronavirus cases in Samarkand region is 10 times understated, Anti-Corruption Agency Director Akmal Burhanov told a press conference. According to the Ministry of Health, as of 23:30 of October 5, some 2,160 cases were confirmed in Samarkand region, 2,017 patients recovered, 143 patients remained in hospitals.
However, 1,155 patients are treated from coronavirus infection in hospitals in Samarkand now, Burhanov said. That is, the real number of infected people is understated almost 10 times.
"Why understate statistics 10 times [8 times in fact]. Perhaps, this is not corruption. We should study reasons. On the example of Samarkand region I can say the same situation is in all regions. We want to thoroughly study statistics, incentives paid to medical professionals, tenders, public procurements, and, what is more important, possible nepotism [in public service]," he said.
According to local media, the Ministry of Health of Uzbekistan does not include patients with coronavirus treated at home into the tally of confirmed cases. The tally does not include pneumonia cases either.
Gazeta.uz reported earlier July mortality rate in Uzbekistan exceeded the average level for this month for 4 years by 26.4%, in Tashkent - almost by 166%, in Tashkent region - by 43.8%, in Navoi region - by 51.7%.
The Ministry of Health has not commented on the statement yet.