Over 3K rats killed or caught in civic hospitals in Mumbai

The recent case of a rat-bite incident at civic-run hospital exposed the rat menace in civic-run hospitals. According to the data received through a Right To Information (RTI) application, more than 3,000 rats were killed/caught by the pest control department in the past five years at civic-run hospitals in the city. The RTI was filed by activist Chetan Kothari.

The information stated that in the past five years around 2,005 rats have been killed/caught in Mumbai Central-based BYL Nair Hospital alone. The second highest number of rats killed/caught were in Ghatkopar-based Rajawadi Hospital. Around 374 rats were killed/caught in Rajawadi Hospital in past five years.

Since past five years, the highest number of rats were killed/caught in BYL Nair Hospital. In 2014, 425 rats killed; in 2015, 502 rats were killed, 437 rats were killed in 2016, 465 rats were killed in 2017 and in 2018 (till May 22), 176 rats were killed.

Speaking about the RTI reply, Chetan Kothari, RTI activist, said, "Cleanliness and neatness are important in civic-run hospitals. Patients from across the country visit these hospitals to get medical treatment. If the hospitals are not clean, the patients will be affected more due to rat menace." Dr RN Bharmal, dean of BYL Nair Hospital were not available for comment.

Besides Nair Hospital and Rajawadi Hospital, other hospitals in which rats were killed/caught include Kurla's Bhabha Hospital in which 163 rats were killed/caught in hospital premises. Sion Hospital stated that zero number of rats were caught in the hospital in past five years.

The RTI reply also stated that in all the hospitals, there was no damage to the medical instruments or equipment.

YEAR RATS KILLED IN CIVIC HOSPITALS

2014 - 425
2015 - 502
2016 - 437
2017 - 465
2018 - 176
*(till may)