Elderly Woman Dies After Alleged Rat Bite in Thane Hospital ICU; Probe Ordered

“ICU Horror: Elderly Patient Dies After Alleged Rat Bite, Hygiene Lapses Under Scanner

Thane, Maharashtra: In a shocking incident, an 89-year-old woman reportedly died after being bitten by a rat inside the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a government hospital in Mira Bhayandar, raising serious concerns over hygiene and patient safety.

The deceased, identified as Suhasini Mathekar, was admitted to the hospital on March 12 in critical condition and was on ventilator support.

Incident Discovered in the Morning
According to family members, the incident came to light early the next morning when they visited the ICU around 6 am. They alleged that a rat had bitten the woman’s right hand during the night, causing a deep wound and heavy bleeding. By the time they arrived, the rat had fled, and the woman had lost a significant amount of blood. She later died the same day.

Family Alleges Negligence
The family has raised serious questions about ICU monitoring and staff response. They claim that despite continuous monitoring in such critical units, no one noticed the incident or took timely action. They have accused the hospital of gross negligence and demanded strict action.

Concerns Over Hospital Hygiene
The incident has sparked outrage and highlighted concerns about cleanliness and pest control in government hospitals. Questions are being raised about how a rat could enter a highly sensitive area like an ICU, where strict hygiene standards are expected.

Inquiry Initiated
Hospital authorities have started an internal investigation into the matter. A committee has been formed, and notices have been issued to the concerned staff. Authorities have assured that appropriate action will be taken based on the findings.

Call for Accountability
The victim’s family has demanded a thorough probe, strict punishment for those responsible, and immediate improvements in hospital safety and sanitation systems to prevent such incidents in the future.