The rain is showing no signs of abating but unlike in 2015, hospitals in the city have not faced major waterlogging problems so far.
However, a few hospitals reported a drop in out-patient cases, as fewer patients braved the rain and some approach roads had stagnant water.
At Kanchi Kamakoti Childs Trust Hospital, while there was no inundation of the premises, the roads around it were prone to flooding, a senior hospital official said, adding that there had been fewer outpatients than usual. The Institute of Child Health, Egmore, too saw fewer patients than usual, but the hospital was unaffected by rainwater stagnation, unlike two years ago, an official said.
Other government hospitals including the Government Kilpauk Hospital and Government Stanley Hospitals too, did not have major waterlogging issues, officials said.
Southern suburbs hit
Following Thursday night’s heavy downpour, rainwater entered the Government Hospital for Thoracic Medicine, Tambaram, and had to be pumped out.
The Tambaram Taluk Government Hospital in Chromepet was also flooded, and at least 60 patients were shifted from the ground to the first floor. Public Works Department officials rushed to the spot to pump out water and place sandbags to prevent further flooding.
At the Sembakkam urban public health, centre rainwater stagnated around the entrance and sidewalks, but hospital services were not affected.
Health camps begin
A total of 106 mobile medical clinics are being sent to Chennai, Tiruvallur and Kancheepuram districts, a press release said. Health camps will also be held in areas where water has stagnated and pamphlets are being distributed to the public on the prevention of water-borne diseases. This apart, 102 medical teams are being sent to Cuddalore, Nagapattinam and Tiruvarur districts to prevent the spread of communicable diseases. A total of 90 teams will also check food and water sources for safety in these six districts.
In Chennai, the Government Stanley Hospital has already begun health camps in areas in north Chennai, a senior hospital official said. The camp on Saturday was held at Kargil Nagar, Tiruvottiyur, and over 200 patients were examined.