diff --git a/app.py b/app.py
index d9f58f5..0b9ba75 100644
--- a/app.py
+++ b/app.py
@@ -135,12 +135,30 @@ def health():
 def ready():
     """GET /ready - Kubernetes readiness probe"""
     try:
-        # Try to access the status file
-        if os.path.exists(STATUS_FILE):
-            status = load_status()
-            if isinstance(status, dict):
-                return jsonify({"status": "ready"}), 200
-        return jsonify({"status": "not_ready", "reason": "status file not accessible"}), 503
+        # Check if data directory is writable
+        data_dir = os.path.dirname(STATUS_FILE)
+        if not os.path.exists(data_dir):
+            os.makedirs(data_dir, exist_ok=True)
+        
+        # Try to read or create status file
+        if not os.path.exists(STATUS_FILE):
+            # File doesn't exist yet, try to create it
+            default_status = {
+                "repo": "unknown",
+                "server": "unknown",
+                "sync_status": "UNKNOWN",
+                "drift_count": 0,
+                "files": [],
+                "last_check": ""
+            }
+            save_status(default_status)
+        
+        # Verify we can read it
+        status = load_status()
+        if isinstance(status, dict):
+            return jsonify({"status": "ready"}), 200
+        
+        return jsonify({"status": "not_ready", "reason": "invalid status data"}), 503
     except Exception as e:
         logger.error(f"Readiness check failed: {e}")
         return jsonify({"status": "not_ready", "error": str(e)}), 503