A 20-year-old new mother, Preeti, passed away on Friday at the government-run PBM Hospital in Bikaner after battling critical complications following a caesarean delivery. She had been under treatment since May 15.
Background of the Case
Earlier this month, six women developed severe post-childbirth complications, including kidney failure, at PBM Hospital. Preeti was one of two women among them who were in a coma and on ventilator support. The hospital is administered by SP Medical College.
Dr. Surendra Verma, principal of SP Medical College, stated, “Preeti was an eclampsia patient – a high-risk condition in pregnancy marked by seizures and dangerously high blood pressure.” He added, “She was six months pregnant when doctors performed a preterm caesarean section on May 15. Soon after the delivery, her condition began deteriorating rapidly.”
Uncertain Cause and Investigation
The cause of the complications among the women remains unknown. A state government committee set up to investigate the six cases has not yet submitted its report. This incident follows the deaths of five women last month in two Kota government hospitals after developing similar kidney complications following caesarean deliveries. The state government constituted separate expert committees to investigate those deaths, which submitted findings earlier this week.
Health Minister Gajendra Singh Khimsar said the committee findings, which have not been made public, will be re-examined by “experts.” The Times of India had reported on Friday that three of these committees had submitted findings even though nearly 10% of critical drug sample test reports were still awaited.
Preeti’s Medical Journey
Preeti, wife of Kamal Nayak and a resident of Suratgarh, was shifted to intensive care at PBM Hospital soon after undergoing a caesarean section. She underwent multiple dialysis sessions after tests showed that her kidney functions were badly affected. Doctors initially saw some improvement in her condition, but it began deteriorating soon after. She was placed on ventilator support on June 5 after developing breathing difficulties, and hospital records described her condition as serious on June 14.
Renewed Scrutiny
Preeti’s death has renewed scrutiny of the PBM Hospital’s maternal care ecosystem, especially medical decisions, ICU management, and dialysis support. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about maternal healthcare in Rajasthan government hospitals.
