Patients and attendants at the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) within Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag are facing significant distress due to a rat infestation in hospital wards.
Rodents have been seen gnawing on beddings, food supplies, and even personal belongings of patients, causing widespread discomfort. Some patients have reported rats crawling onto their beds at night, Kashmir News Trust reported.
Attendants have expressed their frustration, with one, Shabir Ahmed, attending to his ailing father, calling the situation “unbearable and deeply distressing.”
He explained, “My father is already unwell, and now we are constantly worried about rats. They are everywhere—under beds, near food trolleys, and even in cupboards.”
The hospital staff has also raised concerns, reporting rats in areas storing medical supplies. Many attribute the infestation to improper waste management and the hospital’s outdated infrastructure, which provides a conducive environment for rodents.
In response, the GMC Anantnag administration acknowledged the issue and assured that steps are being taken to address it.
“We are investigating the authenticity of the viral photograph and have initiated immediate measures to manage the situation.
A rodent control contract was awarded in August 2024, and while the services have been unsatisfactory, we are taking further action to resolve this,” officials said.
To tackle the infestation, immediate actions have been taken, including trapping rodents and enhancing cleaning and disinfection efforts.
Housekeeping staff is working round the clock to maintain hygiene in the hospital, the officials said.