According to report published by Central Bureau of Health Intelligence (CBHI) around 3,000 people have died due to ARI in 2014. While 3,48,14,636 ARI cases were reported in 2014, 3,34,23,107 cases were reported across the country in 2013.

The number of deaths has however shown a declining trend, which may be due to better diagnostic facilities and awareness about the disease. While the number of deaths recorded in 2014 was 2,932, the number of ARI deaths in 2013 was stood at a high 3,513. In 2013, West Bengal lost 753 lives due to ARI. But in 2014, the numbers dwindled to 625 from the state while in north, Uttar Pradesh recorded 619 deaths.

On similar lines, the death statistics for the national Capital stood at 175 in 2013 and 104 in 2014 respectively.

"Due to the awareness drives conducted by the government about diseases like swine flu and influenza, people have become aware of respiratory illnesses. Moreover, diagnostic facilities have also improved which helps in diagnosis of respiratory diseases. Yet, air pollution is playing a major role in alleviating the numbers of such diseases'. Several studies have shown that there is a direct link of air pollution and respiratory diseases," said Dr Jugal Kishore, head of the department, Community Medicine, Safdurjung Hospital.

According to a recent study published in the Environmental Science and Technology Journal, the mortality rate (deaths per 100,000 people per year) from prolonged exposure to PM2.5 is the highest in Asia, and rough estimates show that as many as 30,000 people in Delhi may be dying prematurely from air pollution each year. Delhi's PM2.5 concentrations are currently between 120-150 ìg/m3 on an annual average, which has become a significant factor behind premature deaths in the national capital. The disease is also an economic burden for the country according to experts.

Figures released by National Health Profile also depict that India will also miss its Millenium Development Goal (MDG) target of reducing maternal mortality rate to 109 per 1,00,000 live births by 31 points, the report said.

The National Health Profile covers demographic, socioeconomic, health status and health finance indicators, along with comprehensive information on health infrastructure and human resources in health. CBHI has been publishing National Health Profile every year since 2005. "The data is an important source of navigation. It helps in understanding the goals, our strengths and weaknesses and it is also an important means to strategise," said Union Health Minister J P Nadda who released the National Health Profile.