Newborn perishes due to rat bite at government hospital in Madhya Pradesh; Chief of MYH attributes deaths to 'congenital anemia'

In Indore, Madhya Pradesh, a tragic event has unfolded at Maharaja Yashwantrao Hospital (MYH). A newborn girl lost her life on Tuesday due to septicemia.

The girl, who weighed 1.6 kg, had congenital anemia and low hemoglobin levels. She had been referred from outside and had undergone an operation seven days prior to her demise.

The girl was also a victim of a rat attack at the hospital, sustaining mild scratches on two fingers of her left hand. However, the hospital administration has clarified that the bite marks from rats did not cause her death.

Following the rat-biting incidents at the hospital, two nursing officers have been suspended, and a nursing superintendent was removed from their post. A notice of termination has been issued.

In response to the incident, a special meeting of nursing officers and staff was held, instructing them to immediately inform the pest control agency if any rat-related issues are reported.

Pest control activities are taking place daily at the hospital, and a fine of ₹1 lakh has been imposed on the pest control agency.

The head of the newborn department at MYH, Dr. Anil Gupta, has taken action regarding the rat attacks on newborns.

Another newborn girl at the same hospital, who also had congenital anemia and weighed 1 kg, was in critical condition with an underdeveloped intestine. No post-mortem examination was conducted on the girl as per the wishes of her family members.

In light of the incident, Madhya Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Health Minister Rajendra Shukla has formed a high-level committee to investigate the matter at MY Hospital. Immediate action has been taken over the death of the newborn child by the Deputy Chief Minister and Health Minister.

Dr. Jitendra Verma, the Deputy Superintendent of MYH, confirmed that one of the girls, who was attacked by rats, died during treatment.

Following the suspension and removal of nursing staff, a fine on the pest control agency, and the formation of a high-level committee, the hospital is taking active steps to address the issue and ensure the safety of its patients.