Rodents Menace: SMS Hospital engages firm to prevent infection

Jaipur: In response to the uncontrollable rodent menace at the Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital, the authorities have decided to engage the services of a firm for the first time to control the menace which is causing damage and panic among patients and the hospital staff.  

The action has been taken after the authorities observed that the sightings of rats in the hospital have increased which could lead to potential infection and diseases among the patients. 

Moreover, the authorities fear that the rats could destroy costly equipment and devices by cutting their wires. They are also worried about the risk of them entering wards, ICUs, oxygen stores or any other place that could cause problems for the patients.

Also read- Rats Nibble ICU Patient's Feet In Budaun Govt Hospital, Probe On

Rats burrow inside walls and under the floors and multiply extremely rapidly. They contaminate food and leave behind urine and faeces that are a source of infection and spread of disease.

Hence, the firm will control the menace of rats at the hospital by searching rat-infested areas. The funds for this initiative have been arranged separately by the hospital authorities. 

Talking about rats getting food easily in the hospital, Dr Achal Sharma, medical superintendent, SMS Hospital informed TOI, "The food is distributed anywhere, and the leftovers are thrown, attracting rats. So, we have decided to organise food distribution in the first place. We already have a kitchen to distribute food to the patients. Now, we have fixed a place for food distribution in the hospital. Besides, for the first time, we have roped in a private firm for rodent control."

"The presence of rats on the hospital premises increases the risk of diseases such as leptospirosis and other infections. The other major problem that we face is that they damage costly diagnostic equipment. They can cause major damage and create problems for us and the patients, hence measures were needed to control the menace," he added.

Medical Dialogues team had earlier reported about the Allahabad High Court asking the Chief Superintendent to provide details about the steps taken to prevent the spread of rodents after 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.

Also read- Rodents Menace At Prayagraj Hospital: Allahabad HC Takes Suo Motu Cognizance