Letter to the Editor |08 April 2025
Rodents in our hospital — A national disgrace
Dear Editor,
In the early hours of Saturday April 5, 2025, I had the unfortunate experience of witnessing something deeply disturbing at the Seychelles Hospital, something that has left me angry, shocked, and disappointed.
I was at the hospital following a car accident, attending to a friend who was receiving emergency treatment. Along with several others, I waited outside the casualty unit near the Abundance Bay area. As I looked toward the glass doors of the Sheikh Khalifa Diagnostic Centre, I was horrified to see a rat poking its head from inside the building.
Acting on instinct, I rushed toward the door. As it opened, the rat bolted further inside the centre. Upon entering, I confronted a nurse at the reception, who appeared to be of Indian origin. When I raised my concern, his response was chilling: “We are used to it.”
How can this be acceptable in a public health facility? Rodents roaming freely in a medical centre – a place meant to provide healing and care – is an outright disgrace. It is no wonder that our healthcare system continues to fall short in delivering even the most basic standard of care. This shocking incident is yet another example that validates the growing public concerns about infections, poor service, and overall hygiene standards in our hospital.
The presence of rodents in a health institution is completely unacceptable, and I cannot stay silent. It speaks volumes about the state of cleanliness and infection control in our facilities. It raises the question: how many more patients must suffer or be put at risk before something is done?
I call on the government and the minister of health to take immediate, decisive action. This is not just about pests – it is about restoring public confidence in our healthcare system and ensuring that every citizen is treated in a safe, sanitary environment. The health and dignity of our people deserve nothing less.
Sincerely,
A concerned citizen
Disclaimer
The views expressed in this letter do not necessarily represent the views of the Seychelles NATION newspaper.