The Rajasthan government on Tuesday suspended two additional doctors and nursing officers for alleged negligence in connection with the recent deaths of four women following caesarean sections at different government hospitals in Kota. This action comes as a team of experts led by AIIMS Delhi is set to investigate the circumstances surrounding the women's deaths. Several other women who underwent the same procedure in Kota have also ended up in critical condition.
Details of Suspensions
Professor Badrilal and Associate Professor Khushboo Meena from the obstetrics and gynaecology department at New Medical College Hospital (NMCH), Kota, were suspended with immediate effect for negligence in treatment and supervision. Additionally, Nursing Officer Pinki Khinchi of J K Lon Hospital and Nursing Officer Meenakshi Meena of NMCH were also suspended.
Show-Cause Notices Issued
Show-cause notices were simultaneously issued to J K Lon Hospital Superintendent Nirmala Sharma and NMCH Superintendent Ashutosh Sharma for their alleged administrative and supervisory failures. The government stated that disciplinary action against the two will follow if their replies are found unsatisfactory.
Government Statement
On the directions of Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, a fair and thorough investigation is being conducted, and action is continuously being initiated against those found responsible, the government said in a statement.
High-Level Meeting and AIIMS Investigation
Meanwhile, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla chaired a high-level meeting regarding the issue before announcing that experts from AIIMS Delhi and other central medical institutions will visit hospitals in Kota and Bundi to investigate the deaths and infections among post-C-section patients. The experts will also recommend corrective measures and new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Scope of Investigation
An official statement said the AIIMS-led team will assess operation theatre infection control systems, surgical procedures, and hospital management practices before submitting a report identifying deficiencies and recommending reforms.
Inspection by Health Secretary
Principal Secretary (Health) Gayatri Rathore, who inspected J K Lon and NMCH hospitals again on Tuesday, said that SOPs on hospital procedures, blood transfusion, and patient treatment must be complied with, and protocols in ICUs, operation theatres, and emergency units must be strictly followed.
