Rat Infestation Leads to Tragic ICU Fatality in Maharashtra

In a tragic incident that has stirred public outrage, an 89-year-old woman admitted to the ICU of Pandit Bhimsen Joshi Hospital in Thane district, Maharashtra, has died allegedly from a rat bite. The elderly woman, Suhasini Mathekar, was on a ventilator when the incident occurred, raising serious questions about hygiene standards at the hospital.

According to hospital officials, the woman's family discovered the rat bite on her right hand, which caused a deep wound and significant blood loss, on March 16. Despite ongoing measures to control rodents amidst nearby construction activities, the hospital's management faced criticism for failing to prevent such an incident.

A senior doctor confirmed suspicions that the woman died due to the rat bite, while responding to allegations, the hospital management stated that preventive measures were in place. The local police have registered a case of accidental death, and a high-level enquiry has been ordered to audit sanitation protocols and assign accountability. As a preliminary response, a doctor and a nurse have been transferred from the facility.