India’s Heatstroke Cases Highlight Surveillance Challenges
India has reported 7,192 suspected heatstroke cases and 14 confirmed deaths from March to June 2025. This follows a record-breaking 2024 with nearly 48,000 cases and 159 deaths due to extreme heat. The data reveals serious gaps in India’s heat-related illness and death reporting systems amid rising temperatures.
Heatstroke Incidence and Regional Distribution
Most heatstroke cases occurred in May, the peak summer month, with 2,962 suspected cases and three deaths. April recorded 2,140 cases and six deaths. March and June (up to 24th) saw fewer cases and deaths. Andhra Pradesh reported over half of all suspected cases with 4,055. Other states with high cases include Rajasthan, Odisha, Telangana, and Madhya Pradesh. Maharashtra and Uttarakhand reported the highest confirmed deaths, three each. Several states reported many suspected cases but no confirmed deaths.
Limitations of India’s Surveillance System
India’s heatstroke data is collected through the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). It depends on hospital reporting, missing deaths outside medical facilities or those misclassified. Different agencies report widely varying death figures. For example, between 2015-2022, NCDC reported 3,812 deaths, NCRB 8,171, and IMD 3,436. Understaffing and manual data entry delay accurate reporting. Some states have failed to submit complete data or suppressed figures to avoid compensation claims.
Challenges in Confirming Heat-Related Deaths
Confirming deaths due to heatstroke is complex. Many deaths are misclassified as heart attacks or other causes. Excess mortality during heatwaves offers a better estimate of heat’s impact. Experts show the global difficulty in attributing deaths directly to heat. Without accurate classification, the true toll remains hidden. This impairs public health responses and policy planning.
Need for Improved Reporting and Preparedness
Experts and officials stress strengthening death reporting systems. Accurate data is vital for effective heatwave preparedness. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of extreme heat events. A unified, comprehensive system will improve surveillance and enable timely interventions. Better data can guide policies to protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves.
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