Babies Found with Bite Marks in Paediatric Ward
A shocking case has emerged from Maharaja Yeshwantrao Hospital in Madhya Pradesh, India, where two newborns—a boy and a girl—died after being bitten by rats inside the paediatric surgery ward. The attacks reportedly happened on the nights of 30 and 31 August, with one infant bitten on the hand and the other on the shoulder.
The baby boy succumbed on 2 September, followed by the baby girl the next day. The incident has triggered widespread anger, raising questions about hygiene, pest control, and accountability in government-run medical facilities.
While bite marks were confirmed on both infants, hospital authorities insisted the deaths were not directly due to rat attacks. They pointed instead to congenital conditions and severe complications already present before admission.
Hospital Denies Bites Caused Deaths
Dr Ashok Yadav, Superintendent of the hospital, stated that both infants were referred from other facilities with congenital anaemia and critical health issues. The boy reportedly had underdeveloped organs and dangerously low haemoglobin levels, while the girl had multiple deformities, underdeveloped lungs and intestines, and had recently undergone surgery.
Deputy Superintendent Dr Jitendra Verma added that the girl’s rat bite was minor and not life-threatening. Nevertheless, the discovery of rodent activity in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) has raised serious concerns. Staff admitted a large rat had been spotted roaming the NICU for days, but no complaint was lodged.
The hospital has maintained that the infants’ fragile conditions, not the bites, were the decisive factor in their deaths. However, grieving families accused the facility of negligence and miscommunication, insisting the attacks worsened the babies’ already vulnerable states.
Staff Suspended and Probe Launched
Following the incident, disciplinary action was swift. Two night-duty nurses were suspended, and the nursing superintendent was removed. Show-cause notices were also issued to two nursing in-charges and the head of the paediatric department.
Dr Arvind Ghanghoria, dean of MGM Medical College, admitted that a lack of proper reporting by nursing staff contributed to the tragedy, even though pest control measures are conducted every 15 days.
Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla confirmed that a fine of 100,000 rupees (around S$1,500) was imposed on the pest control agency, alongside a termination notice. He called the case “serious” and promised strict accountability. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has ordered a high-level investigation.
This case highlights ongoing struggles with hygiene and infrastructure in India’s public hospitals. For families, however, the disciplinary action offers little comfort after losing two newborns in what was meant to be a place of healing and safety.