Babu Ishwar Sharan Hospital in Uttar Pradesh’s Gonda is facing serious questions on patient safety after videos showing rats roaming inside a hospital ward went viral on social media.
The incident has raised concerns about infection risks, fire hazards, and overall hygiene inside the medical facility.
Established in 2024, the State Medical College, Gonda, is affiliated to Atal Bihari Vajpayee Medical University, Lucknow, and offers the National Medical Commission-approved MBBS course. The recent incident has put the spotlight on hospital management and cleanliness standards.
Rats Seen Near Oxygen Pipeline in Orthopaedics Ward
Patients admitted to the orthopaedics ward reportedly recorded a video showing three to four rats moving freely near an oxygen
pipeline. In the footage, rats can be seen climbing on beds, running across electric boards, and moving close to medical equipment while patients are lying nearby.
गोंडा के मेडिकल कॉलेज के आर्थो वार्ड में डाक्टर भले ही देरी से आ रहे हो लेकिन चूहे जल्दी और आराम से दौड़ लगा रहे, ऑक्सीजन पाइप से मरीज के बैड तक आनंद में है। वीडियो वायरल हुई तो डीएम ने मेडिकल प्रशासन को दवा छिड़काव के आदेश दिए है, चूहे मरीजों का खाना खाकर खराब कर दे रहे हैं। pic.twitter.com/qctpGk3noz
— Harish Sharma (@Sharma39Harish) January 14, 2026
The video has led to allegations of negligence against hospital authorities. Family members of patients claimed that the problem had existed for several days and that repeated complaints to nursing staff and doctors did not lead to any concrete action.
How Did The Internet React
The video went viral and people were critical as well as sarcastic on X.
“Indians are treated as dogs & goats within India. If you are poor, you will be treated like a dog. If you are middle class or high class, you will be shown some green grass & asked to pay hefty to stay safe or else be ready for a knife cut,” read a comment.
Another person commented, “AI hai bhai , Animal Intelligence.”
Infection and Fire Risks Raise Alarm
Apart from the rat infestation, patients and attendants also pointed out damp conditions and exposed electrical switchboards in the ward. These conditions pose a dual risk—possible infections and short circuits that could lead to fires.
Medical experts warn that rat bites can cause serious illnesses. Physician Dr Rakesh Tiwari told Jagran News that rat-bite fever (RBF) is a rare but potentially life-threatening bacterial infection. It can spread through rat bites, scratches, or contact with rat saliva, urine, or feces.
Hospital Orders Probe, Medicines Sprayed
Following the viral video and directions from the district magistrate, hospital authorities ordered an investigation and initiated pest control measures across all wards. Medicines were sprayed to eliminate rats and prevent further entry of animals.
Dr Dhananjay Shrikant Kotasthane, Principal of the Autonomous State Medical College, confirmed that immediate action was taken. “All wards have been sprayed with medicines. An investigation has been ordered, and strict action will be taken against anyone found negligent in maintaining cleanliness,” he said.
Relatives Bringing Food Attracts Rats, Says Principal
The principal also stated that food brought by patients’ relatives often attracts rodents. He assured that patient safety is the hospital’s top priority and that negligence will not be tolerated.
According to hospital officials, no rats have been seen in the wards after the spraying. The investigation is ongoing to identify lapses in sanitation and prevent such incidents in the future.
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