Krishnarajendra (KR) Hospital, one of the biggest and oldest hospitals in the State, has turned into a haven for rodents as hundreds of rats, are often seen running in and around the premises. Hundreds of burrows are seen all over the hospital premises.
Manjunatha, who was visiting his relative, an inpatient, said, it was horrible to be in the hospital. “We cannot even rest on the ground. Rats jump on baggages and take away eatables,” he said.
Rudresh from HD Kote, who is nursing his father, said, “The menace is worst during nights. The rodents run all over the people, who are asleep on the ground. Some rodents even nibble bandages and leftovers. They may cause various diseases.”
The hospital authorities claim, several of their attempts to check the menace were in vain. “We had outsourced private people to eliminate rats. The superintendents of both KR Hospital and Cheluvamba Hospital, on the premises of Mysuru Medical College and Research Institute (MMC&RI) have been asked to look into the issue,” said MMC and RI Director and Dean Dr B Krishnamurthy.
The K R Hospital premises comprises the children’s hospital, Cheluvamba, which is frequented by hundreds of children for ailments.
The cause
The authorities say, Devaraja Market, one of the biggest markets in the City, is the root-cause for the menace, as it located next to the hospital. Though the hospital is protected by walls, rodents enter the premises through burrows. The authorities also blame the people who litter the premises with leftovers.
Though dustbins have been provided at vantage points, not many people use them, they claim.
Tender floated
Superintendent of Cheluvamba Hospital Dr S Radhamani said, “The hospital has outsourced elimination of rats. Very often, rat catchers catch the rats. The authorities have floated tender to hire rat catchers.”
Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) authorities say that they have no means to check rodents. Wherever food is thrown, rodents come. “It’s a natural phenomena and it is difficult to control rodents. Patients and visitors to the hospital should be educated about checking the menace, said a health profession attached to the MCC and RI.