<h1>India's Heat Deaths Likely Undercounted, Former WHO Scientist Warns; New Surveillance Efforts Underway to Mitigate Impact</h1> India is likely underreporting heat-related deaths due to insufficient data, according to a former WHO chief scientist. The government is enhancing surveillance to mitigate health impacts from extreme heat. Recent studies track excess deaths, suggesting undercounting. Last summer, India faced severe heat, with 536 heatwave days and 143 recorded heat-related deaths, though experts believe the actual toll is higher. The health ministry's new surveillance efforts aim to address this, but fatalities are just a fraction of heat's broader health impacts, including productivity loss and mental health issues. Improved tracking, preparedness, and policy interventions are urgently needed.