Team TrickyScribe: In a deeply disturbing case of medical negligence, Avdhesh Kumar, a patient at Patna’s Nalanda Medical College and Hospital (NMCH), lost all five toes on one foot after being mauled by rats inside the hospital ward. The incident occurred late Saturday night in the orthopaedic department, where Avdhesh had been under treatment for over three weeks.
Patient Mutilated in His Sleep
Avdhesh Kumar, a resident of Bihar, had been admitted to NMCH for treatment of a fracture and was housed in the orthopaedic ward for the past 21 days. His wife, Sheela Devi, raised an alarm when she found his toes mutilated. It was later revealed that rats had gnawed off all five toes on one of his feet while he lay unconscious, reportedly sedated due to medication.
NMCH Admits to Rat Infestation
NMCH superintendent Dr Rashmi Prasad, confirmed the incident, citing a persistent rat infestation within the hospital premises. “Yes, there is a rat problem, and unfortunately this tragic incident happened due to that,” she admitted. While expressing regret, Dr. Prasad also acknowledged the need for immediate pest control and sanitation measures.
NMCH superintendent Dr Rashmi Prasad said all efforts were made to restrict recurrence of instances of similar nature. Dr Prasad also informed that housekeeping and maintenance guys of the hospital were finding tough time keeping the hospital clean in absence of support for patients’ kin.
Public Outrage Over Repeated Negligence
The horrific episode has sparked widespread outrage across Bihar, with citizens, activists, and healthcare experts calling it a grim reflection of the crumbling public healthcare system. Questions are being raised about NMCH’s failure to ensure basic patient safety and hygiene, especially after earlier reports of similar rodent issues were reportedly ignored.
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