Rodents menace at Prayagraj Hospital: Allahabad HC takes Suo motu cognizance

Prayagraj: Noting that the rodent menace at Swaroop Rani Nehru Hospital, Prayagraj is a potential threat to those patients visiting for treatment and are admitted at the hospital, the Allahabad High Court has asked the Chief Superintendent to provide details about the steps taken to prevent the spread of rodents.

The directive was issued after taking suo motu cognizance of a news report published in Amar Ujala newspaper on 17.1.2024 concerning the menace of rats in the hospital.

While passing the order, the bench comprising Acting Chief Justice MK Gupta and Justice Kshitij Shailendra said, "Since the issue is of public importance, affecting the health of those visiting the hospital and taking treatment there, consequently, we propose to monitor the measures being taken to control the menace."

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The case reported by the Amar Ujala newspaper highlighted the menace of rodents in the hospital and the extent to which they are causing harm to the medicines and other articles stored in the hospital. It also refers to Dr Ajay Saxena, Chief Superintendent, SRN Hospital, admitting that despite best efforts, the menace is still prevailing and options are being explored to deal with it. 

"In case, the news item is correct, it is a potential threat to the patients visiting the hospital and those who are already admitted therein and a health hazard," observed the court. 

Subsequently, the court requested instructions to address the potential threat caused by the rodent's menace from the hospital's defence counsel on the very same day at 2 pm.

According to the instructions, controlling rodent menace in the hospital was outsourced to a housekeeping agency - A 1 Facility and Property Managers Private Limited. The said agency has submitted a report addressed to the Chief Superintendent of SRN Hospital, stating that it is taking several measures to control the rodents, like providing rodent traps, rat pads, rat kill, etc. The agency has also assured the Chief Superintendent that they will take the issue seriously and lodge a special drive to contain the menace. 

Criticising the hospital authorities for their lack of action in controlling the rodent menace, the court said, "Though instructions are also to the effect that medicines are properly stored and the presence of rodents is only due to attendants of patients who bring eatables inside the premises of the hospital, such an excuse does not impress the Court to justify the helplessness of the authorities and staff of the hospital and there is an admission on the part of the hospital authorities that rodents are creating all troubles in the premises."

"We, accordingly, require the Chief Superintendent, SRN Hospital to bring on record the details of the contract entered into by SRN Hospital with the Agency; the amount paid to the said Agency; the steps taken by the Agency to control the problem; and the steps, the respondents have taken or propose to take, to prevent the breeding of rodents in and around the SRN Hospital," the court added.

The matter has been further scheduled for the next hearing on February 12. 

To view the official court order, click on the link below: 

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