Why No FIR? MP High Court Questions Govt After Hospital Rat Bite Deaths

After the tragic incident on September 4 at the Maharaja Yeshwantrao Hospital in Indore where 2 infants died due to rat bites at the NICU, the Madhya Pradesh High Court has asked the state government why no First Information Report (FIR) has been filed after the death of the two infants.

A division bench of Justices Vivek Rusia and Binod Kumar took Suo Motu cognizance of the incident. The court directed the state to submit a detailed reply explaining the absence of an FIR in the case and to clarify steps taken to address safety lapses at the hospital.

In legal terms, suo motu refers to action taken by a court on its own initiative, without a formal complaint or petition being filed. High Courts and the Supreme Court often use this power to address urgent issues affecting public interest, fundamental rights, or governance lapses. In this case, the Madhya Pradesh High Court acted suo motu after reports of the rodent attack at MY Hospital surfaced, signalling the seriousness of the matter.

Hospital authorities stated that the infants’ primary cause of death was multiple congenital malformations. However, they admitted that rats had bitten the infants’ fingers, which prompted doctors to shift them to another facility. The court observed that this incident raised serious questions about infrastructure and patient safety at one of the state’s largest government hospitals.

In a significant move to address systemic issues, the bench directed the Public Works Department (PWD) to submit a detailed status report on MY Hospital and MGM Medical College. The court asked for information in five key areas:

1. Condition of the buildings — both internal and external structures of MY Hospital and MGM Medical College.

2. Estimated life span of these buildings to determine their long-term viability.

3. Status of the drainage system and its adequacy for a large hospital facility.

4. Condition of electrification and whether upgrades are needed to meet current safety standards.

5. Estimated government budget required to carry out necessary repairs and improvements.

The court further instructed that a detailed project report (DPR) be prepared by an executive engineer or consultant, outlining a comprehensive plan for renovation and maintenance of hospital premises, hostels, and staff quarters.

During the hearing, the court was informed that the revenue commissioner is no longer in charge of Mahatma Gandhi Memorial (MGM) Medical College, which runs MY Hospital. Disciplinary powers and administrative control have been transferred to the Commissioner, Health. The hospital administration has also terminated its contract with HLL Infra Tech Services Limited (HITES), the agency responsible for pest control. Disciplinary action has reportedly been initiated against nursing staff in connection with the incident.

The court has directed the state government to submit its reply regarding the FIR issue in the next hearing. Departments responsible for health, infrastructure, and hospital administration must furnish detailed plans to address maintenance gaps and prevent recurrence of similar incidents.

(Rh/Eth/ARC/MSM)