Thane ICU Horror: 89-Year-Old Woman Dies After Alleged Rat Bite, Family Alleges Negligence

An elderly woman admitted on ventilator support in a Thane hospital died after an alleged rat bite, sparking outrage and raising serious questions over hospital hygiene and patient safety.

A shocking incident has emerged from Maharashtra’s Thane district, where 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.

The woman, identified as Suhasini Mathekar, had been admitted on March 12 in critical condition and was placed on ventilator support in the ICU.

Incident Came To Light In The Morning

According to family members, the incident was discovered 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, leaving a deep wound. By the time they reached, there was significant blood loss, and the rodent had already fled.

The family claimed that the excessive bleeding from the injury led to her death later in the day.

Family Questions ICU Monitoring And Staff Response

The incident has raised serious concerns about how such an event could occur in a highly monitored ICU setting.

Family members questioned how medical staff on night duty failed to notice the presence of a rat or respond to the patient’s condition despite continuous monitoring systems typically in place in critical care units.

They have alleged gross negligence and demanded accountability from the hospital administration.

Outrage Over Hygiene And Safety Standards

The incident has triggered widespread concern over sanitation and pest control measures in government hospitals.

Questions are being raised about hygiene standards, especially in sensitive areas like ICUs where critically ill patients require constant supervision and sterile conditions.

Probe Initiated, Staff Issued Notices

Following the allegations, hospital authorities have initiated an internal inquiry into the matter.

A committee has reportedly been formed to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, and notices have been issued to concerned staff members. Calls for strict action and systemic improvements have also been made.

Demand For Accountability

The family has urged authorities to conduct a thorough investigation, review hospital safety protocols, and take strict action against those found responsible.

They have also called for an urgent audit of sanitation and pest control systems to ensure such incidents are not repeated.

The case has once again highlighted the urgent need for improved healthcare infrastructure, stricter hygiene practices, and stronger accountability mechanisms in public hospitals.