A second woman died on Thursday in the post-Caesarean section infection case at New Medical College Hospital (NMCH) in Kota, deepening the crisis at the government facility. The death occurred within 48 hours of the first fatality, while four other women who also underwent caesarean deliveries during the same period remain in critical condition and were being prepared for transfer to a higher medical centre in Jaipur.
Victim Identified
The woman who died Thursday morning was identified as Jyoti Nayak, 19, a resident of Kota. Additional Superintendent of NMCH, Dr RP Meena, told TOI, "Jyoti's condition was most critical among the remaining five infected women who were under treatment at the hospital's nephrology ward. When her condition worsened further Thursday morning, she was put on a ventilator support, but she died around 10.30 am." Dr Meena added, "It was Jyoti's first delivery. Her newborn baby is in sound health and is under medical observation in the hospital's neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)."
Protests Erupt
Tension gripped the hospital after Jyoti's family refused to take her body and staged a protest on the medical college premises. Congress workers joined the protest alongside her husband Ravi and other relatives. Ravi alleged that his wife and six other women were administered the wrong dose of medicine, leading to death and the worsening condition of the others. "Until justice is delivered to me in the matter, I will not take the body for last rites," he said.
Details of the Incident
According to hospital officials, 12 to 13 pregnant women underwent caesarean deliveries at the government hospital on Monday evening and late at night. Within 8 to 12 hours of surgery, the condition of six women deteriorated sharply, marked by falling blood pressure, dropping platelet counts and urinary blockage. All six were shifted to the nephrology ward. One of them, Payal, 26, died during treatment Tuesday morning. With Jyoti's death Thursday, the toll has risen to two. The remaining four women continue to be in critical condition.
Newborns Safe
Hospital authorities said the newborns of the affected women are healthy and under treatment or observation in the NICU. Payal's baby was discharged late Wednesday.
Expert Team Arrives
A specialist team from SMS Medical College, Jaipur, reached Kota on Wednesday night to assist in treatment. The team includes Dr Nihar Sharma from anaesthesia, Dr Sunil Kumar Mahavar from medicine, Dr Pavan Agrawal from gynaecology, and Dr Sanjeev Kumar Sharma from nephrology. Dr Meena said the Jaipur team is coordinating with doctors in Kota to improve treatment for the affected women.
Investigation Ordered
The Kota district administration has constituted a committee to investigate the incident.
