Rat Rampage at Cooper Hospital: Patients Bitten as Menace Persists in Mumbai

A disturbing reality continues to plague Mumbai's prestigious Cooper Hospital, where a persistent rat infestation has led to six patients being bitten in just the last two months. This alarming situation has intensified concerns regarding patient safety and hygiene within the public health institution, despite repeated assurances and pest control efforts by the hospital administration.

The latest incidents highlight a long-standing battle against rodents that seems to be far from over.

Hospital sources confirm that despite ongoing measures, rats continue to find their way into wards, posing significant health risks to already vulnerable patients. The bites, while typically not severe, carry the danger of transmitting diseases and causing psychological distress to those seeking care.

According to reports, the most recent victims include patients recovering from various ailments, with some being bitten while asleep.

This recurrence has raised questions about the efficacy of the current pest management strategies. Hospital authorities, including Dr. Shailesh Mohite, dean of Cooper Hospital, have acknowledged the problem and state that immediate actions are being taken. These include calling pest control agencies regularly, identifying and sealing potential entry points such as holes and gaps in walls and plumbing, and ensuring proper waste management protocols are followed.

However, the challenge is formidable.

The hospital’s sprawling structure, combined with its location in a densely populated urban area, makes it a perennial target for rodents. Previous incidents, including patient bites reported years ago, underscore the deep-rooted nature of this issue. While officials emphasize that all bitten patients received prompt medical attention, including tetanus injections and antibiotics, the underlying problem remains.

Patients and their relatives express growing anxiety, fearful that the very place meant to heal could also expose them to further harm.

The presence of rodents not only jeopardizes patient health but also impacts the overall sanitation and reputation of the hospital. Experts suggest that a comprehensive, multi-pronged approach beyond routine pest control is needed, possibly involving structural audits, community engagement to control surrounding rodent populations, and continuous monitoring to ensure a lasting solution to this persistent menace.