Au00a0day after MiDDAY reported on how a rodent had bitten two toes of a 70 year-old lawyer at St George Hospital, he was shifted from the ordinary room of the nursing unit to the VIP suite. The suite is usually only given out to MLAs and bureaucrats.

On August 6, MiDDAY had reported how Pratap Sawant who was admitted at the hospital to get treatment for an enlarged prostrate along with diabetic neuropathy, was bitten by a rodent on Wednesday. The hospital reportedly suffers from a rodent menace that has largely remained unchecked.

The hospital authorities on Saturday shifted Sawant to the air-conditioned VIP suite Room No 3. Sanjay Gurav, member of the hospital's Visitor Committee, said, "This is an unfortunate incident. I have myself requested the Hospital Superintendent to look into the matter and get rid of the rodents in the hospital."

Gurav had earlier complained about the rodent menace to the Maharashtra Human Right Commission (MHRC).

His daughter, who had been admitted to the hospital, had her food eaten by the rats.

However, according to hospital authorities, it was not because of the MiDDAY report but because of the availability of the suite, that led to Sawant being shifted. Dr DR Kulkarni, Medical Superintendent, St George hospital, said, "Till yesterday the three VIP suites were full. Today after a minister was discharged, we told Sawant he could shift. His operation is scheduled for Monday."

Commenting on the rat menace, Kulkarni said, "We have time and again complained to the BMC and PWD (public work department)." He added that the reason for the high number of rats is because of the nearby railway tracks.

"I will follow up with the departments (BMC and PWD) on a regular basis," he said.