Patient allegedly bitten by rat while sleeping at Tiruchy Govt Hospital

Tamil Nadu: A 60-year-old woman admitted to Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Government Hospital (MGMGH) in Tiruchy after undergoing orthopaedic surgery was allegedly bitten by a rat while sleeping in the ward, raising concerns over patient safety and hygiene at the hospital.

The incident reportedly occurred in the early hours of Thursday, following which the patient received medical treatment and was shifted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

According to her family, the woman was admitted on July 10 after suffering a fracture in her left leg and underwent surgery on July 20. She was later shifted to a ward designated for patients covered under the Chief Minister's Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme. 

Her son alleged that he noticed a rat biting his mother's toe at around 5 am. Since the patient is diabetic, she reportedly did not feel the injury immediately. The family claimed they informed the nursing staff, after which the wound was cleaned before the woman was provided medical treatment and later moved to the ICU for observation.  

MGMGH dean Dr S Kumaravel informed TNIE, “The ward where the woman is admitted is one of the cleanest in the hospital. The rat only caused a superficial injury and did not bite off any part of the toe. Although the patient’s son informed the staff nurse, I did not receive any complaint,” he added.

According to The New Indian Express, during a visit to the hospital, rat holes were reportedly seen in different parts of the premises, while several patients and attendants alleged that rodents frequently enter the wards at night, causing concern among those admitted to the hospital.

The incident has also drawn political attention, with opposition leaders criticising the condition of government hospitals and demanding proper treatment for the patient. However, the hospital administration has maintained that the injury was minor and the patient is receiving appropriate medical care.