Anantnag, Dec 30: Patients and attendants at the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) within the Government Medical College Anantnag are enduring sleepless nights due to an alarming rat infestation. The presence of rodents in hospital wards has raised serious concerns about hygiene, patient safety, and overall healthcare standards.
Several attendants told the news agency Kashmir News Trust that rats scurry across the wards, gnawing on beddings, food supplies, and even patients’ personal belongings.
This infestation is causing widespread discomfort and panic, with some patients reporting instances of rats crawling onto their beds at night.
Shabir Ahmed, who is attending to his ailing father, described the situation as “unbearable and deeply distressing.” He said: “My father is already unwell, and now we are constantly worried about rats. They are everywhere—under beds, near food trolleys, and even in cupboards.”
The attendants further said that the problem is not limited to the wards alone. Hospital staff have reported seeing rats in storage areas, including those containing medical supplies. Many attribute the issue to improper waste management and the hospital’s outdated infrastructure, which provides an ideal environment for rodents to thrive.
A senior staff nurse, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “We have been raising complaints about this for months, but no concrete action has been taken. It’s a health hazard not just for patients but for staff as well. These rats could carry infections, which could worsen the condition of already vulnerable patients.”
Rifat Jan, whose mother is admitted to the hospital, expressed her frustration: “How can a hospital—a place meant to heal people—allow such neglect? This is unacceptable and shows a lack of accountability.”
Attendants demanded immediate intervention from hospital authorities.
When contacted, the Hospital administration acknowledged the issue and claimed that steps were being taken to address the infestation. [KNT]
