Chennai recently experienced heavy rainfall due to Cyclone Ditwah, prompting local health authorities to activate emergency measures. The city's health department is on alert to combat potential monsoon-related illnesses such as fever, diarrhea, and fungal infections. Director of Public Health, Dr. A Somasundaram, confirmed that all 424 primary health centers, including 140 in Chennai, are prepared with staff on duty. Nurses will remain on call after hours to provide round-the-clock medical assistance. Urban health facilities have been instructed to stock essential medicines, including oral rehydration salts, antifungal treatments, paracetamol, anti-snake venom serum, and antibiotics.

In addition to stationary health centers, the government has deployed five mobile medical units and 15 vans as part of the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram. These units will patrol the city to offer first aid and essential medical care. Extra vehicles are on standby in surrounding districts, including Tiruvallur and Chengalpet, to respond to any increased demand for medical services.

To assist those affected by flooding, the Greater Chennai Corporation is preparing 215 relief centers. Residents displaced from their homes will be screened for fever and other medical issues at these centers. Those requiring advanced medical care will be referred to government hospitals in the area. To ensure healthcare facilities remain operational, electricians and plumbers are ready to maintain uninterrupted power supplies to hospitals and health centers.

Public health officials are advising residents, specifically pregnant women and older adults with chronic conditions, to safeguard their medical records. They are also monitoring social media for reports of illnesses to enable swift intervention. While no widespread outbreaks have been reported yet, health officials anticipate an increase in cases related to monsoon conditions. Recent data shows that hospitals, such as the Institute of Child Health and Government Stanley Medical College, are beginning to see a rise in fever cases, with some diarrhea admissions also reported, though numbers remain relatively low at this stage.