The Rajasthan government has set aside a joint report by medical committees from AIIMS Delhi, SMS Medical College Jaipur, and Kota Medical College into maternal deaths at hospitals attached to Kota Medical College, stating that the postpartum deaths of five women will be examined afresh by experts.
Background of the Incident
Five women died between May 5 and May 17 after undergoing C-section deliveries at the government-run New Medical College Hospital (NMCH) in Kota. The deceased exhibited symptoms such as kidney failure and urinary blockage, which experts suggested indicated a possible hospital-acquired infection.
Government's Decision
The report, submitted to the state government and Health and Medical Education Minister Gajendra Singh Khimsar two days ago, has not been made public. Government sources said the health department has decided to seek further opinion from gynecologists and other medical experts before releasing it.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Khimsar said the government will study the report thoroughly before making it public or fixing responsibility. He noted that the report did not identify a single common cause for the fatalities but pointed to multiple medical and procedural factors requiring expert interpretation.
Expert Consultation
According to the minister, the government is consulting senior gynecologists from Rajasthan and specialists from other medical fields to determine whether the deaths were linked to pregnancy-related complications, treatment protocols, referral delays, infrastructure gaps, or other contributing factors.
“In the reports, there are several findings. We cannot pinpoint a single reason for the deaths. We have decided to take suggestions from top gynecologists from the state on the findings of the report so that we can conclude how the deaths happened. After that, we will issue the report for the people,” Khimsar said.
Public Concern
The delay in releasing the report has deepened concern among families and the public, as the deaths occurred in a government-run medical institution and involved women undergoing childbirth-related procedures.
