Nine deaths reported at two Rajasthan government hospitals
Eight women and a minor who underwent surgery in the obstetrics and gynaecology departments at two government hospitals in Rajasthan's Bhilwara and Banswara districts died over the past week, raising concerns over maternal healthcare and hospital practices. The state government has initiated inquiries by expert teams.
Officials said investigations are underway to ascertain the exact causes of the deaths.
Five deaths at Mahatma Gandhi Hospital in Bhilwara
In Bhilwara, five deaths were reported at the Mahatma Gandhi Hospital. Superintendent Arun Gaur said infection control measures are being strictly followed and a probe is in progress. He said an operation theatre (OT) where a sample was found unsatisfactory has been shut for the last three days.
In Banswara, three women and a minor died between July 7 and 10, leading to a probe by an expert panel.
Minister says government taking incidents with 'utmost seriousness'
Rajasthan Medical and Health Minister Gajendra Singh Khimsar said on Saturday that the government is treating the incidents with 'utmost seriousness' and has deployed expert teams. He said a meeting with gynaecology experts will be held on Monday to review the cases and discuss corrective measures, while he himself will visit Bhilwara on Tuesday.
"The state government is taking the incidents of maternal deaths in Bhilwara and Banswara with utmost seriousness. A team of expert officials from the Directorate has been sent to both districts to investigate the real causes," the minister said.
Preliminary report finds no link to OT infection
Referring to the Bhilwara cases, Khimsar said the preliminary report has not established any link between the deaths and OT infection. "The preliminary report of Mahatma Gandhi Hospital, Bhilwara, has been received, in which no confirmation of infection in the operation theatre has been found," he said.
He said the deaths were caused by 'different medical complications'. "In each case, the cause of death was different medical complications such as myocardial infarction, hypovolemic shock, pulmonary thromboembolism, HELLP syndrome and post-partum haemorrhage with DIC," Khimsar said, adding that linking all deaths to OT infection would be 'factually incorrect'.
Hospital protocol and probe details
Hospital Superintendent Gaur said sampling in the operation theatre and ICU is a regular process. "Continuous disinfection and sterilisation are carried out as per the guidelines of the Infection Control Committee," he said. "If any sample does not meet the prescribed standards, the concerned OT is immediately taken out of use."
Gaur said the OT where the sample was found unsatisfactory has been shut for the last three days. "Sterilisation and fumigation are being carried out, and no operations will be conducted there until fresh sample reports come negative," he said. A special committee comprising experts from microbiology, surgery, gynaecology and anaesthesia departments has been constituted to probe the deaths. Officials said a possible link between the deaths and the presence of bacteria in the OT is also being examined.
Banswara deaths: Four fatalities in four days
In Banswara, District Collector Inderjeet Singh Yadav said four deaths were reported over a span of four days and a five-member committee has been formed for a detailed inquiry. "Four maternal deaths have been reported between July 7 and 10. Two patients were brought in a critical condition, while two cases involved caesarean procedures," Yadav said.
In one case, a minor girl died after being admitted in critical condition following complications during an abortion in a rural area. In two other cases, severe anaemia is suspected to be the initial cause of death, while another woman died during surgery, with high blood pressure indicated as a contributing factor.
"A five-doctor committee has been formed, and a team from Jaipur is also arriving. The exact cause of deaths will be known after the report. If any lapse is found at any level, strict action will be taken," Yadav said. He added that medical records are being examined and staff statements recorded as part of the probe, assuring that the inquiry will be conducted with full transparency.
Minister promises scientific investigation
Khimsar said the investigation will cover all aspects, including treatment protocols, quality of medicines, infection control and monitoring systems. "The investigation will be scientific and fact-based, and conclusions will be drawn only after the report is received," he said. Expressing condolences over the deaths, the minister termed the incidents 'extremely unfortunate' and said strict action would be taken if negligence is found.
