2 newborns die after rat bite incident at India hospital, staff suspended
Two infants at a government hospital in Madhya Pradesh, India, died after allegedly being bitten by rats. While hospital authorities blamed congenital conditions, the case has sparked outrage over hygiene and supervision lapses.
- Two newborns died at Maharaja Yeshwantrao Hospital after alleged rat bites on 30 and 31 August.
- Hospital officials claim the deaths were due to severe congenital conditions, not the injuries.
- Staff negligence has been acknowledged, with suspensions, fines, and an investigation ordered.
INDORE, Madhya Pradesh – Two newborn babies, a boy and a girl, have died at Maharaja Yeshwantrao Hospital following alleged rat bite incidents in the paediatric surgery ward.
The boy was bitten on his hand on 30 August, while the girl sustained injuries to her shoulder on 31 August. The boy died on 2 September, and the girl passed away a day later.
Hospital denies link between bites and deaths
Hospital authorities said the deaths were not directly related to the bite injuries. Superintendent Dr Ashok Yadav explained that the boy had underdeveloped organs and extremely low haemoglobin levels, while the girl suffered from congenital anaemia, limb deformities, and underdeveloped lungs and intestines.
The girl had undergone surgery earlier and was already on ventilator support at the time of the incident.
Deputy Superintendent Dr Jitendra Verma described the bite marks as minor and not life-threatening. He also claimed that the boy’s parents had left him unattended during treatment.
Negligence acknowledged by senior officials
Despite the hospital’s defence, the case has sparked public anger over hygiene and safety at one of Madhya Pradesh’s largest state-run facilities. Staff admitted that a large rat had been seen in the neonatal intensive care unit days before the incidents, though no formal complaint was made.
Dr Arvind Ghanghoria, dean of MGM Medical College, admitted negligence. “The nursing staff failed to report the rodent sightings, which could have prevented this tragedy,” he said, adding that pest control is normally carried out every 15 days.
Disciplinary and government action
In the aftermath, two night-duty nurses were suspended, and the nursing superintendent was removed. Show-cause notices were also served to senior staff, including two nursing in-charges and the head of the paediatric department.
Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla said the pest control agency had been fined 100,000 rupees (about US$1,200) and issued a termination notice. He called the incident “serious” and assured strict action.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has ordered a high-level investigation into the hospital’s operations and safety standards.
