Koraput: Authorities of SLN Medical College and Hospital (SLNMCH) in Koraput have roped in a private agency to check the rodent menace at the health facility.
Patients claimed the problem is severe, especially in the Mother and Child Hospital (MCH). One patient said rats were scurrying around in the washrooms, wards and other areas, feasting on leftover food at night.
“Rats have become a menace. We acknowledge it is a serious issue and hired a private firm to take rodent control measures. Work has started and will continue for the next few months,” said Sushant Kumar Sahu, superintendent of the hospital. In addition, cages have been placed in various wards to catch the rats, which are subsequently released into nearby forest areas.
Sahu emphasised that while the hospital maintains high cleanliness standards, availability of leftover food in the open and overcrowding by attendants is attracting the rats.
“Efforts are being made to ensure leftover food is disposed of properly at designated spots. Attendants are being educated on using the bins,” said Sahu. “The public works department has been told to implement appropriate control measures, such as permanently blocking the pathways through which rats enter the premises,” he added.
The hospital administration is also focused on safeguarding medical devices, machines and equipment from the rats and spread of diseases like leptospirosis.
Bhabani Mishra, a Koraput-based activist, stressed the importance of cooperation from both the hospital authorities and attendants.

We also published the following articles recently