CHU de la Guadeloupe suspends surgeries after rats found in operating block

Staff at the CHU de la Guadeloupe in Pointe-à-Pitre have exercised their right of withdrawal following the discovery of rats within the hospital's operating block. The incident, which was captured on video, led to the rescheduling of several surgical procedures.

Approximately half of the operating block personnel participated in the withdrawal, citing health and safety concerns. The UTS-UGTG union highlighted the risk of diseases such as leptospirosis, noting that while rodents are common in the surrounding area, their presence in the surgical area is unprecedented. The union has formally alerted the hospital's director general regarding hygiene risks and the need for technical repairs to secure the facility.

In response, the hospital administration stated that two emergency operating blocks remained operational to handle life-threatening cases. Management reported that multiple deratization and bio-cleaning interventions have been conducted, with further measures planned to prevent a recurrence.