Rodents in the lok Nayak Hospital's orthopedic ward have become a source of worry for the hospital staff and patients. Two patients getting treatment at the facility were bitten by rats recently, while others are forced to find out ways to keep themselves safe.
Dr VK Gautam, the medical superintendent for the orthopedic block at the lNH, termed it as a long-standing problem. "We have recently floated tenders for pest control, but one doesn't know how much time it may take to contain the rat menace," he said.
"I have become used to the odor of dead rats," one patient who spent several weeks at the orthopedic ward told The Pioneer. A senior nursing staff said patients are forced to eat their food while the rats sprint around.
"Sometimes rats harm the patient. Two of the patients were bitten by rats when they were sleeping. We have written a letter to the medical superintendent, informing about the issue," the nursing staff said.
This Delhi Government health facility is well known for its trauma facility and gets a steady flow of patients, according to the hospital staff.
Most of the patients end up spending weeks during the course of their treatment at the orthopedic ward and keeping them safe from rat menace is an uphill task, said sources.
Pooja, who has come all the way from Uttar Pradesh for her relative's treatment, said she has become immune to the strong odour of dead rats.
"I have been tolerating this for the last one month. We are forced to stay here just for the treatment," she said.
A senior doctor, who does not wished to be named, said: "The rat menace is not new to this department. The false ceiling wall on the first floor, which functions as a duct for air circulation, harbours hundreds of rats. The seventh floor which has not been opened for the past 10 years is also a home to rats. Even after so many complaints, the authorities have not fixed the problem."
"Each time I go for a rounds, I have to bear with the stench. So one can understand the condition of patients. It's a mental trauma for them. The dead rats can cause plague, infection, diseases to the patients," he said.
When asked about the persistent rodent problem, Director of lok Nayak Dr J C Passey said he was unaware of rodent attacks and stench in the orthopedic ward. "I will take up the issue with the department head," Dr Passey added.