Critical Assessment of National and Sub-National Climate Change and Health Action Plans of India

Anthropogenic climate change poses escalating threats to human health, with India ranked 6th in the global climate risk index. As climate‑sensitive illnesses, extreme heat, air pollution, and climate‑induced displacement intensify, evidence‑driven adaptation becomes essential. This study critically reviews India’s National and State Action Plans for Climate Change and Human Health (NAPCCHH and 32 SAPCCHH as of November 2023) to identify strengths, gaps, and opportunities to improve health-centred climate action. We developed a protocol based on a refined version of the WHO Health National Adaptation Plan quality criteria framework and conducted a quantitative assessment of the plans. While the plans reflect strong political commitments and initial cross-sectoral structures, significant gaps persist in vulnerability assessments, surveillance capacity, resource mobilisation, and monitoring frameworks. Findings highlight the need for iterative, participatory, and data-driven processes that integrate evolving climate-health evidence and better engage civil society and vulnerable communities to advance effective localised adaptation in India.