Highly concerning news has emerged from government hospitals in Rajasthan. Since May, at least 18 women in the state have died following childbirth, while seven others remain on dialysis due to kidney failure after undergoing Caesarean sections. In light of this serious situation, the state government has ordered a detailed, high-level inquiry into the entire matter. The issue intensified further when nine women lost their lives in Bhilwara and Banswara alone between July 5 and July 10.
Where and how did the deaths occur?
At Mahatma Gandhi Hospital in Bhilwara, five women died within six days following Caesarean deliveries. According to records, the women’s health deteriorated after surgery; they were shifted to the ICU, where they succumbed during treatment.
In May, reports emerged of five women dying after childbirth at a government hospital in Kota.
In Bikaner, six women suffered kidney failure after Caesarean sections in June; two of them subsequently died. The remaining women are still fighting for their lives while on dialysis.
Cause baffling; even we are surprised – Health Minister
Expressing concern over the rising number of cases, Rajasthan Health Minister Gajendra Singh Khinvsar stated that this pattern of deaths is baffling even to officials. He said, “It is very surprising for us that these deaths are occurring in such close succession and in such numbers that the exact cause remains unclear. Initially, we suspected the extreme heat, but the summer season has passed. Blood reports and all other tests are coming back normal, yet the deaths continue. We must uncover the real reason behind this.”
The Minister stated that senior officials, medical college principals, and superintendents from the affected districts (Kota, Jodhpur, Bikaner) have been summoned for a meeting. The government has also had the situation reviewed by a team from AIIMS Delhi and is enlisting the help of the state’s top gynecologists. They clarified that action would be taken against doctors or officials only if negligence or a medical lapse is confirmed.
Hospitals Under Scrutiny
The Health Department has ordered an audit of the affected hospitals’ medical records, treatment protocols, emergency response systems, and the medicines used. A special team of experts from Jaipur has also been constituted to conduct a review.
Meanwhile, a severe shortage of resources at the Bhilwara hospital has come to light. According to sources, 30 to 40 Caesarean sections are performed daily at the hospital, yet only eight instrument sets are available for surgery (five for routine procedures and three for emergencies). Regulations mandate that each set be sterilized for at least three hours before reuse. Consequently, the heavy workload increases the risk of infection spreading.
