A viral video showing rats inside a Sick Newborn Care Unit at a government hospital in Satna, Madhya Pradesh has triggered an infection control review and show cause notices to doctors and nursing staff. The incident has renewed attention on hygiene standards, pest control, and patient safety in neonatal units across government hospitals in the state.
A video showing rats moving inside a Newborn Care Unit at a government hospital in Satna, Madhya Pradesh has raised concerns about hygiene and infection control in public healthcare facilities. The footage, which circulated widely on social media in December 2025, shows rodents inside the neonatal unit where critically ill and low birth weight newborns receive treatment.
The incident occurred at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Government District Hospital, Satna. After the video surfaced publicly, hospital authorities initiated a review using available surveillance footage to assess the situation inside the unit.
Hospital officials confirmed that internal CCTV footage was examined following the circulation of the video. The review aimed to identify possible lapses in sanitation, supervision, and environmental safety within the Sick Newborn Care Unit. Authorities stated that pest control measures were already in place and were further strengthened after the incident, although specific details regarding frequency and monitoring were not disclosed.
After the preliminary assessment, the hospital administration issued show cause notices to four doctors and around 20 nursing staff members posted in the Sick Newborn Care Unit. Officials said the notices were issued to determine responsibility for maintaining hygiene standards and to examine whether established infection control protocols were followed. Further administrative action is expected to depend on the findings of the ongoing inquiry.
Neonatal units provide specialized care to newborns with conditions such as prematurity, low birth weight, respiratory distress, and early life infections. At this stage, newborns have immature immune systems, which makes them particularly vulnerable to healthcare associated infections. Even minor environmental contamination can increase the risk of infection, making strict hygiene and environmental control essential in these settings.
Rodents such as rats and mice act as reservoirs for multiple disease-causing organisms, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can infect humans.[1]
Disease transmission occurs indirectly through exposure to rodent urine, faeces, saliva, or contaminated surfaces and food. In enclosed settings, dried rodent excreta can become airborne and may be inhaled, increasing infection risk.[1]
Leptospirosis is a well-documented bacterial disease associated with rodents. The bacteria are shed in rodent urine and can contaminate water and surfaces. Human infection may range from mild fever to severe liver, kidney, or lung involvement.[1]
Rodents are also recognised carriers of hantaviruses, which can cause serious illnesses affecting the lungs or kidneys. Transmission typically occurs through inhalation of particles contaminated with rodent droppings or urine.[2]
In addition to bacteria and viruses, rodents may harbour parasites and other pathogens that contaminate environments rather than spreading through direct contact. Studies highlight environmental contamination as a key transmission pathway in institutional settings.[3]
The Satna incident is not an isolated case. In recent years, multiple government hospitals in Madhya Pradesh have reported rodent sightings in patient care areas, including neonatal units. In September 2025, two newborns admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Maharaja Yeshwantrao Hospital in Indore were reportedly bitten by rats on consecutive nights.
One infant died during treatment, while the second later died due to severe infection and related complications. Hospital authorities stated that the deaths were linked to the infants’ underlying medical conditions and infections such as septicemia rather than the rodent bites alone.
Following the Indore incidents, hospital authorities suspended nursing staff, issued show cause notices to other personnel, and penalized the pest control contractor. The National Human Rights Commission took cognisance of the matter and sought an action taken report from the Madhya Pradesh Public Health and Medical Education Department and the district administration. The commission noted concerns regarding hygiene standards and patient safety in facilities caring for vulnerable newborns.
In response to the Satna incident, hospital authorities reiterated that pest control activities are being reinforced and that the findings of the internal inquiry will guide further administrative action. State health authorities have not released consolidated data on rodent related incidents across government hospitals or outlined a statewide plan to address sanitation challenges.
The incident has again drawn attention to the importance of sustained infection control practices and infrastructure maintenance in government hospitals, especially in units that care for newborns and other high risk patients.
(Rh/SS/MSM)
