LLR docs pool money to get rid of menace

KANPUR : Miffed by the rodent menace in operation theatres (OTs) and other departments of LLR Hospital here, the doctors have pooled in money to get rid of the rats that are creating trouble in their day-to-day functioning.

Head of surgery department Dr Sanjay Kala said concerted efforts were afoot to eliminate the rat population from the hospital, especially OTs.

“It is a problem and we are taking care of that. Doctors have contributed and pooled in ₹50,000 to tackle the issue,” said Kala.

They have hired a pest control management company, which has promised to solve the problem in next six months.

The company would charge ₹9,600 per month and has deployed 35 rat catchers on the first and second floors. However, only six rats could be caught within a week.

The company will also tackle cockroach and termite menace.

The magnitude of the problem can be gauged from the fact the LLR hospital has five OTs of which two have been shut down while one shifted to another floor. Dr Kala said doctors had complained about the menace in the OTs and the trouble they faced while performing surgeries as the rodents often nibbled on electric wire and other equipment. About 18 surgeries are performed at the hospital each day

THE DOCTORS HAVE HIRED A PEST CONTROL MANAGEMENT COMPANY, WHICH HAS PROMISED TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM IN 6 MONTHS

and doctors claim the urine of rats spread leptospirosis, an infectious bacterial disease which can be transmitted to human beings.

“Because of the fear of rodents even the false ceiling could not be made in the OTs. Besides, cockroaches and termites compounded the issues for us,” said a doctor on condition of anonymity. The issue was taken up with GSVM Medical College but it expressed helplessness citing lack of funds.

Sources said the Hindustan Aeronautical Limited (HAL) had given ₹50 lakh for the renovation of the OTs which has not been used so far.

Besides, the UP health minister was apprised of the condition of the OTs. One of the government companies submitted an estimate of ₹25 crore while another gave an estimate of ₹30 crore. But the project is still lying in cold storage.

Dr Kala said besides this there was urgent need of a modular OT. At present the students were being given training in the old OT while they have to work in advanced and hi-tech OTs.