Bhopal: A video showing rats moving inside the Sick Newborn Care Unit at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Government District Hospital in Satna district has triggered widespread outrage and serious concerns over hygiene and safety in government healthcare facilities.
Show Cause Notices Issued
Following the viral video, district health authorities issued show-cause notices to four doctors and around twenty nursing officers posted in the SNCU. The action was taken after an internal review of CCTV footage confirmed the presence of rodents inside the neonatal unit.
CCTV Footage Under Review
According to officials, CCTV footage from the SNCU was examined in detail. Speaking to the media, Civil Surgeon Amar Singh said the video appeared to have been recorded by hospital staff themselves, prompting immediate disciplinary proceedings against those responsible for maintaining the unit.
Concerns Over Neonatal Safety
The SNCU caters to critically ill newborns, making the presence of rodents particularly alarming. Health experts have warned that such unhygienic conditions pose a grave risk of infections and can endanger the lives of vulnerable infants.
Hospital Under Multiple Investigations
The incident has intensified scrutiny of Satna district hospital, which is already under a state-level investigation after several children suffering from thalassaemia were found to be HIV-positive. Authorities suspect the infections may be linked to contaminated blood transfusions.
State Level Probe Ongoing
The Madhya Pradesh government has ordered a detailed probe into the hospital’s blood bank and transfusion practices. The investigation aims to determine accountability and identify systemic lapses in infection control and patient safety.
Steps to Strengthen Hygiene Measures
Hospital authorities said pest control measures were already in place but additional instructions have now been issued to strengthen preventive steps. Officials stated that sanitation protocols and regular monitoring, especially in high-risk units, are being reinforced.
Focus on Accountability and Reforms
Health officials emphasized that accountability would be fixed for the lapses exposed by the viral video. At the same time, efforts are being made to improve hygiene standards, infection control practices, and overall monitoring to restore public confidence in government healthcare facilities.
