India Likely Underreporting Heat-Related Deaths: Insights from Ex-WHO Scientist
Former WHO scientist Soumya Swaminathan indicates India likely undercounts heat-related deaths due to weak data. The government is working on better surveillance as extreme summer conditions loom. Experts note the grave impact of heat beyond mortality rates, including productivity losses and mental health issues.
India is likely underestimating heat-related deaths due to insufficient data, as highlighted by former WHO chief scientist Soumya Swaminathan. The government is enhancing surveillance systems to mitigate health impacts as the country faces extreme summer conditions. Swaminathan emphasizes the urgent need for improved tracking and policy interventions to address these challenges effectively.
During her interview with PTI at the World Sustainable Development Summit, Swaminathan stated, “Most likely. We do not really have a good record of every death in the country, and we have to make some estimations.” She pointed out that several recent studies have identified “excess deaths”, which correlate with extreme heat spikes, similar to observed increases during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2022, India recorded an alarming 536 heatwave days, the highest in 14 years, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The official counts included 41,789 suspected heat stroke cases and only 143 heat-related deaths—numbers that experts believe are grossly underreported since 20-30% of heat stroke cases typically lead to fatalities.
Forecasts from the IMD indicate that this year’s summer will also feature above-normal temperatures. Despite the health ministry launching a new surveillance system for these fatalities, Swaminathan notes that reported deaths reflect only “the very tip of the iceberg.” She explained, “For every one death, there are probably 20 people who are suffering the impact of heat”—a reality that affects productivity and economic stability.
Moreover, Swaminathan stressed the mental health implications of prolonged heat exposure, noting, “If you do not get any relief from heat for a prolonged period, then we know, for example, suicides go up, psychiatric illnesses get worse, and domestic violence increases.” Overall, she insists on ensuring thermal comfort and addressing heat’s health ramifications to improve quality of life for affected individuals.
In conclusion, India is likely undercounting heat-related fatalities due to inadequate tracking systems. Improvements in surveillance and policy are critical as the nation prepares for extreme summer temperatures. The broader impacts on health, productivity, and mental well-being highlight the need for comprehensive strategies to mitigate heat’s effects, ensuring both safety and comfort for the population.
Original Source: www.business-standard.com
