Heavy rains, driven by Cyclone Ditwah, pounded Chennai from midnight, prompting the city's health authorities to declare a high alert on Saturday. The focus is on preparing for a potential surge in monsoon-related health issues, including fever, diarrhoea, fungal infections, and injuries.
Extensive Medical Preparedness Across Health Centres
Across the rain-affected districts of Tamil Nadu, a comprehensive medical response is being coordinated. Dr. A Somasundaram, Director of Public Health, confirmed that all 424 upgraded primary health centres, with 140 located in Chennai, are fully operational with doctors, nurses, and support staff on duty. To ensure 24/7 service, a nurse will remain on call even after regular work hours.
Urban health facilities have been instructed to stock up on critical supplies. These include oral rehydration salts, antifungal ointments for waterborne infections, paracetamol, antibiotics, and crucially, anti-snake venom serum to treat snake bites. This move proactively addresses a common danger during flooding, as snakes are often displaced from their habitats.
Mobile Units and Relief Centres for Wider Reach
Beyond stationary clinics, the government has deployed mobile medical teams to increase accessibility. Five mobile medical units and 15 vans from the government's Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram, typically used for school health programs, are now patrolling the city to provide first aid and basic treatment. Additional vehicles are on standby in Tiruvallur and Chengalpet districts to be pressed into service if demand increases.
For those displaced by the flooding, the Greater Chennai Corporation has prepared 215 relief centres. Dr. M Jagadeesan, the City Health Officer, stated that these centres will screen residents for fever and other ailments. Individuals requiring more advanced care will be referred to nearby government hospitals. To maintain essential services, electricians and plumbers are on standby to ensure an uninterrupted power supply to all city hospitals and health centres.
Monitoring and Early Case Numbers
Public health officials are also leveraging technology, actively monitoring social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) for reports of illnesses. This enables quick intervention, either by dispatching ground staff or offering virtual guidance to those in need.
While no major outbreaks have been reported so far, officials anticipate a rise in monsoon-related ailments in the coming days. Initial data from Saturday showed several hospitals reporting fever cases. The Institute of Child Health in Egmore recorded 86 outpatient (OP) and 39 inpatient (IP) fever cases. Government Stanley Medical College Hospital reported approximately 65 OP and 39 IP cases, while Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital had 26 OP fever cases. All hospitals reported fewer than 15 admissions for diarrhoea as of Saturday afternoon.
Authorities have advised residents, especially pregnant women and older adults with chronic illnesses, to keep their medical records in dry, safe places to protect them from water damage.
