An 89-year-old patient admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a government hospital in Maharashtra’s Mira Bhayandar was allegedly bitten by a rat, triggering serious concerns over hygiene and patient safety in critical care facilities.
Elderly Patient Attacked Inside ICU
The victim, Suhasini Mathekar, had been admitted on March 12 due to health complications and was placed on a ventilator in the ICU located on the fourth floor.
According to family members, the shocking incident came to light on the morning of March 13 when they entered the ICU and found that a rat had bitten her hand. The rodent reportedly fled only after the family intervened.
Family Alleges Negligence by Hospital Staff
The patient’s relatives have accused hospital authorities of gross negligence, questioning how such a breach could occur in a highly sensitive and supposedly sterile environment like the ICU.
They raised concerns over the absence of monitoring by doctors and nurses on night duty, stating that neither the presence of the rat nor the patient’s distress was noticed in time.
A family member described the incident as “extremely shocking,” highlighting the failure of basic safety protocols in a critical care unit.
Demand for Probe and Strict Action
Following the incident, the family has demanded a thorough investigation into the conduct of on-duty staff. They have also called for:
- An immediate audit of sanitation standards
- Strengthening of pest control measures
- Strict action against those found responsible
The incident has intensified public anger, with many demanding a high-level inquiry into hospital management.
Serious Questions Over Hospital Hygiene Standards
The presence of rats inside an ICU has raised alarming questions about hygiene and infection control practices. Experts warn that such lapses not only endanger individual patients but also pose a broader risk of infections within the hospital environment.
The incident underscores the urgent need for stricter enforcement of cleanliness and safety protocols in healthcare institutions, especially in critical care areas where patients are most vulnerable.
