A video capturing a rat inside the Hospital de Urgência de Teresina (HUT) caused alarm among patients and staff at the facility. The footage, which emerged on Wednesday morning, shows a rat running across the floor while workers attempted to capture it using a broom and a bag. The incident highlights ongoing issues with pest control in public hospitals, raising concerns about hygiene and safety standards.

In response to the incident, HUT management stated that pest control measures have been in place, with rodent inspections occurring on a quarterly basis, the most recent one conducted last December. However, immediate follow-up inspections were carried out on Tuesday, showing the urgency of addressing the issue. This situation has garnered attention not only from patients but also from healthcare workers, as they express concerns over recurring pest problems within the facility.

The president of the State Union of Nurses, Auxiliaries, and Nursing Technicians of Piauí (Sinatepi), Erick Riccely, commented on the effectiveness of the current rodent control measures, which he now questions amid this incident. He cited ongoing issues such as poor climate control, clogged bathrooms, and other hygiene concerns that contribute to an unsatisfactory environment for both patients and healthcare professionals. This incident at HUT might lead to broader discussions about the quality of care and safety protocols in public health institutions in Brazil.