Thane and MMR hospitals report up to 30 percent rise in OPD cases after monsoon rains
Hospitals in Thane and the wider Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) have reported a sharp 20% to 30% surge in outpatient department (OPD) visits following heavy monsoon rainfall around July 9, 2026. Local healthcare facilities, including Jupiter Hospital in Thane, recorded a significant rise in patients suffering from seasonal viral illnesses, gastroenteritis, and early cases of vector-borne diseases over the preceding three to four days.
Dr. Amit Saraf, Director of Internal Medicine at Jupiter Hospital in Thane, confirmed that the hospital witnessed a 20% to 30% increase in OPD consultations over a two-to-three-day period following intense rainfall. According to Dr. Saraf, most patients presented with seasonal viral infections, including fever, upper respiratory tract infections, sore throat, cough, and flu-like symptoms.
Dr. Saraf added that the hospital is also seeing a rise in acute gastroenteritis and suspected dengue cases. Furthermore, patients with underlying conditions such as asthma, chronic lung disease, diabetes, and hypertension are reporting a worsening of their symptoms due to sudden weather changes and high humidity.
The spike in seasonal illnesses is being felt across the entire metropolitan region. In Ghatkopar, Zynova Shalby Hospital recorded a 20% rise in patients aged 22 to 65 presenting with viral infections. Reny Varghese, Chief Operating Officer at Zynova Shalby Hospital, advised residents to maintain good hand hygiene, stay hydrated, drink boiled water, and seek medical care if symptoms persist beyond two days.
Pediatric departments have also experienced a significant influx of patients. Dr. Behzad Bhandari, Associate Consultant of Emergency Medicine at Narayana Health SRCC Children's Hospital, stated that the facility witnessed a 30% to 40% increase in children visiting the emergency department since the onset of the monsoon. Dr. Bhandari noted that while most cases are not severe, early consultation is crucial to prevent complications.
Meanwhile, at Gleneagles Hospital in Parel, doctors are treating an additional five to eight OPD patients daily for influenza-like illnesses and gastroenteritis. Dr. Manjusha Agarwal, Senior Consultant of Internal Medicine at the hospital, warned that high-grade fevers from dengue and malaria, as well as typhoid cases, are on the rise.
To prevent further spread, medical professionals across the region recommend eating freshly cooked food, avoiding stagnant water, and seeking timely medical advice instead of self-medicating.
