Rajasthan probes surge of 18 maternal deaths after C‑section deliveries

Since May, at least 18 women have died following caesarean‑section deliveries in Rajasthan's public hospitals. Nine deaths occurred between July 5‑10 in the Bhilwara and Banswara districts, while earlier incidents include five deaths in Kota in early May and two deaths in Bikaner, where six women developed kidney failure and seven remain on dialysis.

State Health Minister Gajendra Singh Khimsar has ordered a high‑level inquiry, summoning senior district officials, hospital principals and superintendents. Experts from AIIMS Delhi and leading state gynecologists have been engaged to review medical records and protocols. An audit is also examining hospital resources, noting that some facilities perform 30‑40 C‑sections daily with only eight instrument sets, raising concerns about inadequate sterilisation cycles that could contribute to infections. The investigation will determine whether any negligence or systemic failures are responsible before any disciplinary action is taken.