This is the gut-wrenching moment dozens of rats were spotted crawling over a patient in a hospital bed in India.

Unsettling footage shows large rodents scurrying over a pink bag on a coffee table in the children's ward while the man was sleeping in Madhya Pradesh.

Locals expressed outrage, raising concerns about hospital administration and hygiene practices.

In response, hospital management admitted to cleaning deficiencies and committed to stricter protocols to prevent similar incidents. Officials said that pest control measures are in place but will be reinforced with more frequent monitoring.

Dilip Kumar Yadav, the district collector for Mandla, conducted an investigation and vowed to hold those responsible accountable.

'A probe has been launched, and necessary actions will be taken to improve conditions at the hospital,' he said.

A senior district official inspected the children's unit after reviewing the disturbing footage. The hospital administration was reprimanded for negligence and ordered to improve facility maintenance and sanitation immediately.

Staff members were instructed to uphold stricter hygiene standards and ensure regular pest control measures.

Resident Medical Officer Dr Praveen Uike said that while pest management is conducted daily, additional steps will be taken to address the issue.

Sampatiya Uike, the local MLA and Minister of Public Health Engineering for Madhya Pradesh, also visited the hospital.

She instructed senior district officials to conduct a thorough investigation, calling the incident a clear case of negligence.

The politician emphasised the need for lasting changes to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

The hospital administration now faces mounting pressure from the public and government authorities to restore confidence in its healthcare standards.