Patients Report Rat Bites at Jabalpur Medical College, Inquiry Underway

Three individuals, including two patients, have reported rat bites at the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Medical College Hospital in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. This incident occurred on the night of September 15, 2025, just two weeks after a tragic event in Indore where two infants died following similar bites. The hospital administration has initiated an internal inquiry in response to the complaints.

Jabalpur Collector Raghvendra Singh confirmed that the district administration has issued notices to the hospital authorities, demanding a comprehensive report on the situation within three days. Singh stated, “The report will also be sent to higher authorities and any action will be initiated based on the findings.”

This latest incident adds to the growing scrutiny faced by the State Government over hygiene issues in public healthcare facilities. Following the Indore incident, where rats bit two newborn girls—resulting in severe injuries—officials had previously denied that the deaths were caused by rat bites. The Government contended that the children succumbed to pre-existing medical conditions.

In light of the recent allegations, a three-member panel has been formed by the hospital administration, led by the hospital superintendent. The panel will investigate the complaints, while a notice has also been issued to a private pest control firm responsible for rodent management at the facility. Singh mentioned that inspections revealed existing arrangements for rodent control, yet the notice serves as a precautionary measure.

Dr. Navneet Saxena, dean of the medical college, confirmed that two patients and one attendant had reported being bitten by rats. He has requested a detailed report from the superintendent regarding the actions taken. “Action will be taken against anyone, including outsourced agencies, who is found responsible for this,” he emphasized.

An anonymous medical staff member indicated that prior complaints had been made regarding rat sightings over the weekend. Internal investigations revealed that some staff members had not adequately addressed these concerns.

One patient, Jagdish Nehra, who accompanied his mother for treatment, detailed his experience. He reported that both he and his mother were bitten by rats while sleeping near her hospital bed during the early hours of September 16, 2025. Nehra stated, “I was sleeping on the floor next to my mother’s bed when a rat bit me around 3 a.m. It also bit my mother.”

Currently, the psychiatry ward operates from a temporary building due to renovation work, which has raised further concerns about the conditions within the hospital. The ongoing investigations and the response from the hospital administration will be closely monitored by both the public and the authorities as they seek to resolve these alarming issues.