Indore: The Madhya Pradesh High Court has expressed concern over the absence of a First Information Report (FIR) after two newborns at Maharaja Yeshwantrao (MY) Hospital allegedly died following rat bites inside the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The division bench of Justices Vivek Rusia and Binod Kumar, which took suo motu cognizance of the incident, has directed the state government to clarify why no criminal case has been registered.
Previous Administrative Action
Earlier, MGM Medical College authorities removed the head of the paediatric surgery department, while the state government suspended a doctor in connection with the controversy. These actions followed widespread outrage after reports of the newborns’ deaths allegedly caused by rat bites.
Court Orders Infrastructure Review
Moving beyond individual accountability, the High Court has directed the Public Works Department (PWD) to furnish detailed information on the hospital’s infrastructure. The areas of review include the condition and life expectancy of MY Hospital and MGM Medical College buildings, drainage and electrification systems, and the estimated budget needed for improvements. The PWD has also been tasked with preparing a Detailed Project Report (DPR) covering repairs, renovations, and hostel facilities.
Institutional Oversight and Administrative Changes
The court noted recent governance changes at MGM Medical College, which has been shifted from the control of the Revenue Commissioner to the Commissioner of Health. The latter now holds disciplinary authority over the institution, signalling stricter oversight in response to the controversy.
Hospital’s Defence and Corrective Measures
In their reply to the court, MGM authorities denied that rat bites caused the deaths, citing congenital malformations in both infants as the primary reason. However, they admitted systemic shortcomings, including staff shortages and inadequate infrastructure maintenance. Following the incident, the hospital terminated its pest control contract with HLL Infra Tech Services Limited (HITES), initiated disciplinary action against nursing staff, and pledged corrective steps to restore public trust.
