18 Women’s Deaths In Rajasthan Hospitals Trigger Multiple Investigations

The deaths of 18 women in Rajasthan’s government hospitals over the past two months have raised serious concerns over the state’s public healthcare system, prompting multiple investigations into maternal healthcare, infection control and hospital management.

According to official information, five women died at Mahatma Gandhi Hospital in Bhilwara, while Banswara recorded four maternal deaths within a span of days.

Reports also indicate that seven women are undergoing dialysis after developing kidney-related complications, intensifying concerns over the quality of post-operative care.

Hospital authorities in Bhilwara have said the deaths resulted from different medical complications, including myocardial infarction, hypovolemic shock, pulmonary thromboembolism, HELLP syndrome, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and postpartum haemorrhage (PPH).

The investigation also includes an examination of samples collected from the operating theatre to determine whether any infection contributed to the fatalities.

The Rajasthan government has constituted multiple inquiry committees, including an independent team of senior doctors from Jaipur, to investigate the deaths.

Health Minister Gajendra Singh Khimsar said the government is treating the matter seriously and that preliminary findings have not established a direct link between the operation theatre infection and the deaths. He added that the conclusions will depend on the ongoing investigation.

Political Row

The controversy escalated after a video of the Health Minister went viral on social media. When questioned by journalists about the maternal deaths and the healthcare situation, he was seen smiling and saying, “We’ll talk about the rest after the break.”

The remark drew criticism from the opposition and several social media users, who described it as insensitive.

Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has demanded an independent probe, alleging that the repeated maternal deaths point to serious shortcomings in the state’s healthcare delivery system.

As investigations continue, the ongoing probe is examining whether the deaths resulted from isolated medical complications or point to broader systemic issues in Rajasthan’s public health infrastructure.

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