Indore: Indore’s government-run Maharaja Yashwantrao (MY) Hospital is under fire once again after a second newborn girl admitted to the facility died, just days after another infant reportedly suffered fatal injuries linked to a rat bite. The deaths have triggered outrage among families and activists, who allege negligence and poor hygiene inside one of Madhya Pradesh’s largest hospitals.
According to hospital officials, the latest victim, a premature baby weighing 1.6 kg, was born with multiple congenital deformities, including severe intestinal complications. She underwent surgery last week but later developed septicemia, which doctors cited as the cause of death. Deputy Superintendent Dr. Jitendra Verma said the rat bite had caused only “minor scratches” on the child’s fingers and insisted the fatality was not due to the injury. The family declined a post-mortem examination, and the body was handed over without an autopsy.
The case comes after another newborn died in the same neonatal ICU earlier this week. While relatives alleged that the infant succumbed to a rat attack, hospital authorities claimed the autopsy pointed to congenital heart issues, pneumonia, and septicemia. MYH Superintendent Dr. Ashok Yadav defended the hospital, stating, “No human being dies due to rat bites. Both infants had serious medical conditions.”
Still, the administration has taken action. Two nursing officers, a nursing superintendent, and other staff members have been suspended for lapses in duty. A private contractor responsible for cleaning, pest control, and security was fined ₹1 lakh, with authorities warning that its ₹1.5 crore-per-month contract could be cancelled after a third-party audit. The head of the pediatric surgery department, Dr. Brajesh Lahoti, has also been issued a show-cause notice.
The incident has drawn sharp political and civil society reactions. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav directed the state health department to ensure strict accountability, declaring that the government would “not tolerate negligence in healthcare services.” Indore District Magistrate Ashish Singh personally inspected the hospital and confirmed that an independent audit will be conducted to assess hygiene and pest control standards.
Activist groups, including Jan Swasthya Abhiyan, have demanded a probe by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR). Activist Amulya Nidhi alleged, “Gross negligence in maintaining hygiene at the neonatal ICU has endangered the lives of vulnerable infants.”
