Instablogs - Mobile - Rat Bites Patient in Kolkata Government Hospital

I am ashamed of this India Born and brought up in India has given me patriotic liberty. I can be at the same time be a proud Indian but there are incidences which make me bow my head in shame. I feel helpless, ineffective and angry when I read about such realities which can and should be changed but the people responsible are totally indifferent.

When Sova Rani was admitted to SSKM hospital in Kolkata, the state premier hospital she was confident that she will be treated for her tumours in the joints of her right hand and she will be cured and be home accordingly.

She was advised biopsy which was scheduled for next day. She felt asleep and woke up feeling a sharp piercing pain in her right hand. Thinking it might be time for another injection she opened her eyes, but could not see any Doctor or nurse but what she saw was terrifying. A big fat rat was biting her hand. She screamed in pain and terror, the rat scurried away but she could not sleep after that. Other patients were also alerted.

Her hand was swollen next day. When her family members came to visit her they were also horrified and decided to report the matter to the hospital authorities, but from Saturday afternoon till Monday her son-in-law could not complain because there was no hospital authority available who was ready to hear his complain. Finally he left it in the Hospital Superintendent’s Office.

This is not the first incidence of patients being bitten by pests. In November 2005, 55-year-old Gouri Rani Chakraborty died at Shambhunath Pandit Hospital after ants ate away her recently operated eye. On April 20, 2008, a newborn’s eyes were nibbled by rats, leaving the baby scarred.

What is more worrying is that Hospital authorities are passing the buck by saying that since repair work is being carried out in hospital premises rats have come out in the open.

But rats can cause rabies, Rat droppings can carry any number of viral and bacterial infections, including hantavirus, plague, typhus, leptospirosis and meningitis.

What is alarming is that being a government hospital patients from all strata of society come here for treatment, most of them cannot afford to go any where else.

Is life of such patients so cheap that even rodents have been given the right to decide their fate.

4 of 4 Comments Add your Comment

Rudra Bhaumik

you are ashmed to be indian??? how many social works you have been done for her?

veena

I have clearly written I am ashamed of ”THIS” India.There are good and bad both aspects, What if I say that I have been teaching slum kids and underpriviledged kids, will that change the scenario? People responsible for such things should wake up now and do something constructive, that is the purpose of this write up.

Julie

Government hospitals are in the worse condition. There are hardly two or three big hospitals in the state level and people from far flung villages accumulate at one place for treatment which makes the place overcrowded.

My sis-in-law was admitted for her delivery and had to stay in the general ward for one night before we could arrange for a private ward. The condition of the general ward was pathetic. There were two ladies on each bed in the hall. The corridor also had a line of beds. The smell was sickening in the room.

I wonder how patients manage to stay there for weeks; i couldn't stay in that room for even 15 mins.

Avadhut

India do not have the sufficient facilities as per the population. Private hospitals are affordable only by the rich class. Rest have to suffer in the government hospitals, who literally stinks like anything.

Plus the behavior of the general staff makes your blood boil at times. They seriously don't show any kindness with the patient or the family members.