Daijiworld Media Network - Jaipur
Jaipur, Jul 11: A series of maternal deaths at government hospitals in Rajasthan has sparked concern over patient safety and infection control, with authorities investigating whether post-operative infections contributed to the fatalities.
At Mahatma Gandhi Government Hospital in Bhilwara, six women died within five days after undergoing Caesarean-section deliveries. Hospital officials confirmed that signs of infection had been detected in one of the operation theatres, prompting the suspension of surgeries there while investigations continue.
Following the incidents, patients scheduled for procedures were shifted to other hospitals as a precaution. Samples collected from the operation theatre, surgical instruments and medical equipment have been sent for microbiological analysis to determine the source of the suspected infection.
A committee has been constituted to examine the circumstances surrounding the deaths and assess whether there were lapses in sterilisation procedures, infection control or other hospital protocols.
The hospital's infrastructure has also come under scrutiny after reports indicated that it performs between 30 and 40 Caesarean deliveries every day despite reportedly having only five surgical instrument sets, raising concerns over sterilisation standards and operational practices.
Officials have also collected samples of medicines and injections administered to the patients as part of the investigation.
In a separate incident, two women died in Banswara on Friday after delivering their first children through Caesarean surgery. According to officials, one of the women was suffering from severe anaemia, while the other had high blood pressure. Authorities are investigating whether these deaths are linked to medical complications or other factors.
The incidents have renewed concerns about maternal healthcare in Rajasthan, following similar issues reported earlier in Kota, Bikaner and Jodhpur.
Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot described the deaths as "heart-rending and extremely alarming," alleging serious deficiencies in the state's public healthcare system.
Expressing condolences to the affected families, Gehlot questioned the decision to continue conducting Caesarean surgeries despite reports of infection in the operation theatre. He also criticised the reported practice of carrying out 30 to 40 surgeries daily with only five surgical instrument sets, calling it a case of gross negligence.
The senior Congress leader urged the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to send an expert team to Rajasthan to independently assess the functioning of government hospitals and conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the recent maternal deaths.
He also appealed to Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda to intervene urgently and ensure measures are taken to prevent similar tragedies.
Meanwhile, the Rajasthan Health Department said the inquiry is in progress and assured that appropriate action will be taken based on the findings. Officials are also awaiting laboratory reports to determine whether infections played a role in the deaths.