Chennai, Nov 30 (LatestNewsX) – As Cyclone Ditwah drags heavy rain and the threat of flooding back into the city, health officials have put a detailed readiness plan into action to keep monsoon‑related illnesses at bay.
The sharp increase in waterlogged areas has pushed authorities to concentrate on spotting and dealing with seasonal problems early. They’re especially watching for fever, diarrhoea, fungal infections, injuries and an uptick in snake‑bite incidents.
State Director of Public Health Dr A. Somasundaram announced that all 424 reinforced primary health centres (PHCs) across Tamil Nadu – 140 of them in Chennai – are now on high alert. “Doctors, nurses and support staff are scheduled at every upgraded PHC. A nurse will remain on call after hours to guarantee continuous service,” he said.
Urban health centres have been directed to stock supplies such as Oral rehydration salts, antifungal ointments for water‑borne infections, paracetamol, anti‑snake venom serum, antibiotics and other essential medicines.
To reach flooded districts, five mobile medical units and 15 vans from the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram—normally used for school health checks—have been sent to Chennai for first aid and basic care. Extra vehicles are ready in Tiruvallur and Chengalpattu should conditions worsen.
Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) officials told families displaced by water that they will be moved to one of 215 relief centres, where fever and other ailments will be screened. “If anyone needs advanced treatment, they’ll be sent straight to the nearest government hospital,” said city health officer Dr M. Jagadeesan. He added that electricians and plumbers have been placed on alert to keep power flowing to all hospitals and urban health centres.
Residents, especially pregnant women, the elderly and people with chronic illnesses, have been advised to keep medical records and important documents in dry, secure places in case of evacuation. Public health teams are watching social media, including X, to spot possible health clusters reported by the public.
The authorities said that this digital monitoring will let them dispatch field teams or provide virtual medical advice quickly. While cases remain manageable today, officials expect a gradual rise in monsoon‑related illnesses in the coming days as rain continues under Cyclone Ditwah’s influence.
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