JAIPUR — In a decisive move to uphold medical accountability, the Rajasthan government has initiated a sweeping administrative crackdown following the tragic deaths of two women and the critical illness of several others after cesarean (C-section) deliveries. The incidents, occurring at the New Medical College Hospital (NMCH) in Kota, have led to the immediate dismissal of a contractual doctor, the suspension of three senior healthcare workers, and a state-wide ban on dozens of medical supplies.
Tragedy in the Post-Operative Ward
The crisis unfolded early last week when 12 to 13 women underwent C-section surgeries at NMCH. Within eight to 12 hours of the procedures, the health of six women deteriorated rapidly. Patients reported a sudden drop in blood pressure and platelet counts, accompanied by severe urinary blockage and symptoms of renal failure.
Despite intensive care, two women, identified as Payal (26) and Jyoti Nayak (19), succumbed to complications. Three others remain in critical condition, battling multi-organ failure. Preliminary investigations conducted by Medical Education Commissioner Babulal Goyal and Principal Secretary Gayatri Rathore revealed “gross negligence” and a systemic failure to adhere to established medical protocols.
Stern Administrative Action
Responding to the findings, the state medical education department late Friday night ordered immediate disciplinary measures:
- Dismissal: Dr. Shraddha Upadhyay, an Assistant Professor serving on an Urgent Temporary Basis (UTB) contract, was dismissed from service with immediate effect.
- Suspensions: Dr. Navneet Kumar, an Associate Professor in General Surgery and the operation theatre in-charge, has been suspended. Additionally, Senior Nursing Officers Gurjot Kaur and Nimesh Verma were placed under suspension and their headquarters shifted to Jaipur to ensure an impartial inquiry.
- Show-Cause Notices: The department has issued show-cause notices to the unit heads of the Obstetrics and Gynaecology department, Dr. B.L. Patidar and Dr. Neha Sehra, seeking an explanation for the lack of supervisory oversight and failure in post-operative monitoring.
State-Wide Drug Ban and Forensics
While medical negligence remains a primary focus, authorities have not ruled out contaminated medical supplies. As a precautionary measure, the Drug Control Department has imposed a ban on the sale and distribution of 24 specific medicines and medical devices—including batches of glucose, antibiotics, and injections—across the entire state. Samples have been seized and sent for forensic analysis to determine if substandard pharmaceuticals contributed to the sudden spike in complications.
Government Response and Future Safeguards
Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma has directed a time-bound, transparent probe, asserting that those found guilty of the final inquiry will face the full weight of the law. Health Minister Gajendra Singh Khimsar expressed deep regret over the incident, characterizing it as a “matter of shame” and ensuring that a specialist team from SMS Hospital in Jaipur has been dispatched to Kota to manage the treatment of the surviving victims.
To prevent a recurrence, all government hospitals in Rajasthan have been instructed to conduct rigorous sterilization of ICUs and operation theatres and strictly comply with pre-operative and post-operative monitoring standards.
