Two Newborns Die After Rat Bites in Indore Hospital ICU; Shocking CCTV Footage Sparks Outrage

Indore, Madhya Pradesh – In a horrifying incident that has triggered national outrage, two newborn babies died within 48 hours after being bitten by rats inside the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Maharaja Yashwant Rao (MY) Hospital in Indore. The incident, which occurred on the night of August 30–31, has put a harsh spotlight on the state of hygiene and accountability in government healthcare facilities.

While hospital officials claim that the primary cause of death was pneumonia and birth-related complications, CCTV footage showing rats inside the ward has gone viral, sparking public fury and political criticism.

What Happened

Hospital records show that both infants were premature and underweight — one weighing 1.2 kg and the other 1.6 kg — and were already in critical condition. Rat bite marks were found on the hand of one baby and on the head and shoulder of the other. They were shifted to another unit once the rodent activity was discovered.

The CCTV footage reportedly showed rats jumping around near the infant beds, prompting urgent measures, including heightened surveillance and patient relocation. Hospital authorities admitted that both babies had severe infections and birth defects.

Doctors Say Rat Bites Were Not the Cause of Death

According to hospital doctors, the bites themselves were not fatal. They described the injuries as superficial scratches and stated that pneumonia and septicemia were the main causes of death. In one case, a post-mortem was not conducted due to the family’s refusal, although the child’s condition was already deemed critical.

Administrative Action Taken

Following the incident, the hospital suspended two nursing officers, removed the nursing superintendent, and issued show-cause notices to department heads. A fine of ₹1 lakh was imposed on the private agency responsible for sanitation and pest control.

The administration also announced a third-party audit of hygiene and pest control practices in the hospital. A high-level inquiry committee has been formed by the Dean of MGM Medical College.

Chief Minister and Government’s Response

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav called the deaths “tragic” and instructed the district administration, health department, and hospital authorities to conduct a thorough investigation. He also ordered a third-party audit to assess cleanliness and pest control standards in the hospital.

Political and Public Reactions

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi condemned the incident, calling it “not an accident, but outright murder.” He accused both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Mohan Yadav of failing to ensure basic healthcare standards for the poor.

Gandhi further criticized the growing privatization of healthcare, saying public hospitals are turning into “death camps for the poor” while the rich continue to have access to quality care.

Child Rights Commission and Civil Society Demand Accountability

The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has sought a detailed report from the Indore Collector. Civil society groups, including Jan Swasthya Abhiyan (MP), have demanded an independent investigation and urgent reforms to hospital safety protocols.

Activists and healthcare experts have called attention to long-standing issues in the hospital, including poor cleanliness, lack of timely pest control, and inadequate monitoring in sensitive units like NICU.

Background and Larger Concerns

Indore, often praised for its cleanliness in urban rankings, now faces questions about hygiene standards in its public healthcare facilities. Staff admitted that rat sightings had been reported earlier, but no formal complaints were lodged, leading to inaction.

This incident has triggered calls for a complete review of neonatal care units across the state and reinforced the urgent need for stringent hospital hygiene standards, frequent pest control, and better accountability mechanisms.

Current Status

Investigations are ongoing, and further disciplinary actions are expected as more details emerge. Meanwhile, the incident has sent shockwaves through the medical community and public alike, raising urgent questions about the state’s preparedness to protect its most vulnerable patients.