Families, Activists Allege Negligence; CM Orders Probe, Staff Suspended
Indore: The government-run Maharaja Yashwantrao (MY) Hospital is facing massive outrage after two newborn girls died within two days, with both cases linked to alleged rat bites inside the hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The shocking incidents have raised grave concerns over hygiene and safety standards at Madhya Pradesh’s largest public hospital.
Hospital Authorities Deny Negligence
While families and civil society groups alleged gross negligence, hospital officials claimed both infants died due to pre-existing medical complications.
The second baby, weighing just 1.6 kg at birth, was born with multiple congenital deformities and had undergone intestinal surgery. Doctors said she later developed a severe blood infection that led to her death. Just two days earlier, another newborn in the NICU reportedly suffered injuries from a rat bite before dying.
MYH Superintendent Dr. Ashok Yadav denied rat bites as the cause of death, saying, “No human being dies due to rat bites.” Officials insisted that one infant only suffered “minor scratches” on her fingers, while the deaths were linked to critical health conditions.
Disciplinary Action Taken
In the wake of mounting criticism, the hospital suspended two nursing officers, the nursing superintendent, and ward staff. A private contractor responsible for pest control, security, and cleanliness was fined ₹1 lakh, with its ₹1.5 crore monthly contract placed under review. A third-party hygiene audit has also been ordered.
Additionally, a show-cause notice was issued to the head of the pediatric surgery department.
Government, Activists Demand Accountability
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav directed officials to take strict action, warning that the government will not tolerate negligence in healthcare services. District Magistrate Ashish Singh inspected the 75-year-old hospital and announced a third-party audit of hygiene and pest control systems.
Meanwhile, NGO Jan Swasthya Abhiyan has written to the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), demanding an independent probe. Activist Amulya Nidhi alleged that the hospital’s failure to maintain hygiene in the neonatal ICU endangered vulnerable infants, calling it a case of “gross negligence.”
