Rat Infestation Crisis Plagues Madhya Pradesh Hospitals: Patients Face Dangerous Conditions

The alarming issue of rat infestations in Madhya Pradesh government hospitals has evolved into a severe public health crisis. Following disturbing incidents at Indore's Maharaja Yeshwantrao Hospital and Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Medical College in Jabalpur, another concerning case has emerged from Jabalpur's Victoria Hospital.

In this latest incident, rats were observed freely roaming within the orthopedic ward, moving across patients' beds and investigating their food containers, raising significant concerns about sanitation, patient safety, and administrative responsibility in state-operated healthcare facilities.

The situation was discovered early Sunday morning when three rats were detected scurrying throughout the orthopedic ward. These rodents reportedly climbed onto beds, searched through food packages, and even dropped onto patients, causing panic among those hospitalized.

Ten-year-old Madan Chaudhary from Shahpura has been receiving treatment at the district hospital for a week following a hand injury. After his surgery, he was transferred from intensive care to the orthopedic ward two days prior. His father, Manoj Chaudhary, described the ward conditions as terrifying.

"Rats were continuously active throughout the night, climbing onto beds and falling on patients," he stated.

Feeling distressed and powerless, Manoj recorded video evidence at approximately 3 am Sunday to document their experience. The footage has subsequently generated outrage and renewed worries about patient safety in government medical facilities.

The anxiety and frustration among patients was evident. One patient in the ward reported that rats had consumed his food. "They ate my papaya and biscuits. We're already unwell, where else can we go?" he questioned, highlighting the vulnerability of patients dependent on public healthcare services.

Addressing the incident, Naveen Kothari, health officer at Victoria Hospital, suggested that ongoing construction activities might be responsible for the infestation.

"New construction is in progress, and the former kitchen area is being demolished. The orthopedic ward receives regular pest control treatment, which was performed just last week," he explained.

Kothari added that hospital management would implement further measures. "Any entry points for rats will be sealed. Heavy machinery being used in construction has disturbed the area, and we're scheduling additional pest control services," he said.

This incident is not isolated. Three months earlier, a similar rat infestation was reported at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Medical College in Jabalpur, where rats bit the feet of two patients in the psychiatry department.

During that period, renovation work was underway, requiring the psychiatry department to temporarily relocate to the orthopedic building. A subsequent investigation revealed negligence by doctors and hospital staff.

Even more concerning was the incident at Indore's Maharaja Yashwantrao Hospital, the largest state-run medical facility in Madhya Pradesh. Three months ago, two newborns died after being bitten by rats in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. The infants developed severe infections following the bites and died within two days.

The tragedy shocked the state and attracted national attention.

The Human Rights Commission took notice of the situation and requested a comprehensive report from the hospital superintendent. The medical education department also demanded an explanation from the dean. Two nursing officers were suspended, and authorities established a high-level committee to investigate the incident.