Rat attack on junior doctor at Sola Civil raises hygiene, duty concerns

For several days, postgraduate (PG) resident doctors at Sola Civil Hospital have raised concerns over poor hygiene and alleged mismanagement, claiming their complaints have gone unaddressed.

The issue escalated after a postgraduate student from the ophthalmology department was allegedly injured when a rat gnawed near the eye while the student was asleep in a ward. The incident has triggered outrage among senior, junior, and resident doctors, who are demanding immediate action over cleanliness and living conditions.

‘Forced to stay overnight’ despite no emergencies

Students alleged that they are required to remain overnight in wards even when there are no emergencies in the ophthalmology department. They also claimed they are not given weekly offs.

“We are fed up with the authoritarian attitude of seniors,” students said, adding that the lack of rest and enforced overnight stays are “completely unjustified”.

Unhygienic wards, recurring rat presence

According to the residents, unhygienic conditions in wards have led to frequent rat movement. In the reported incident, a sleeping student sustained an injury near the eye after a rat attack.

Doctors said such conditions are unacceptable in a hospital setting, particularly in clinical departments where hygiene is critical.

Lack of basic facilities flagged

Resident doctors also pointed to the absence of basic amenities, including RO drinking water and air-conditioning. They said they are routinely required to sleep in wards despite these shortcomings.

The incident has raised broader concerns about infrastructure and working conditions at the hospital.

Injured student under treatment

The injured postgraduate student is undergoing treatment and has been advised anti-rabies vaccination as a precaution.

Senior doctors said that, given the location of the injury near the eye, “no risk can be taken”, and preventive anti-rabies injections are recommended in such cases.

Allegations of attempted cover-up

Despite the seriousness of the incident, hospital authorities are allegedly attempting to suppress the matter, according to resident doctors.

The episode has intensified scrutiny of hospital administration and prompted calls for accountability from the health department.