Gonda, Uttar Pradesh: A viral video from the orthopaedics ward of Gonda Government Medical College has triggered widespread concern after it showed rats roaming near patients’ beds and an oxygen pipeline, raising serious questions about hospital hygiene and patient safety in government healthcare facilities.

The video, widely shared on social media platforms, was reportedly recorded by a patient admitted to the ward two days ago. The footage shows rats moving freely inside the ward while patients lie on their beds, highlighting the poor sanitation conditions at the medical college.

District administration steps in

Taking immediate cognisance of the incident, Gonda District Magistrate Priyanka Niranjan reprimanded the medical college principal, Prof. Dhananjay Shrikant Kotastane, and directed the administration to carry out urgent pest control measures.

Following the orders, authorities conducted pest control operations not only in the orthopaedics ward but also across other hospital blocks to prevent further risk.

Speaking to The Free Press Journal, Prof. Kotastane said that food brought by patients’ relatives often attracts rats, but assured that patient hygiene and safety would not be compromised.

He also confirmed that an internal inquiry has been launched to identify lapses and fix accountability.