Jaipur, June 22 (IANS) A high-level inquiry has been ordered after the health of eight women deteriorated following Caesarean deliveries at Paota District Hospital in Jodhpur, triggering concerns over healthcare standards and drawing criticism from the opposition.

The incident occurred on June 20, when eight women who underwent Caesarean sections at the hospital developed serious health complications shortly after surgery. According to officials, their condition deteriorated soon after delivery, prompting immediate medical intervention.

Senior Congress leader Sachin Pilot expressed concern over the incident and criticised the BJP-led state government over the condition of Rajasthan’s healthcare system.

In a post on social media platform X, Pilot said reports of eight women developing severe health complications after Caesarean sections, including kidney failure in two cases, were deeply distressing and alarming.

He alleged that the state government had failed to effectively manage healthcare services and pointed to similar incidents reported earlier in Kota and Bikaner, where women suffered kidney failure after childbirth and, in some cases, lost their lives.

“The medical and health services in the state are continuously deteriorating under the BJP government. The condition of government hospitals has reached a critical stage, and ordinary citizens are paying the price with their lives,” Pilot said.

He demanded a high-level investigation into the matter, accountability for any negligence found during the probe, adequate financial assistance for the affected families and better medical treatment for the women.

Meanwhile, Jodhpur District Collector Alok Ranjan inspected Paota District Hospital and reviewed the medical arrangements in place. He directed officials to ensure there was no negligence in patient care and instructed them to provide all necessary medical facilities on priority.

Dr B.S. Jodha, Principal of Dr S.N. Medical College, said the affected women were under close medical observation. He said the surgeries were performed on Saturday, following which several patients recorded unusually high body temperatures.

According to Dr Jodha, two women developed serious complications. One experienced high blood pressure, while another suffered excessive bleeding during surgery.

Officials said two women, identified as Sonu and Lalita, were shifted to the intensive care unit at Dr S.N. Medical College for advanced treatment. The remaining six women — Taslim, Payal, Santosh, Priyanka, Gattu Kanwar and Nandu Kanwar — were reported to be stable.

Blood and urine samples of the affected women, along with samples of equipment, medicines, injections and intravenous fluids used in the operation theatre, have been sent for testing.

All procedures in the gynaecology operation theatre have been suspended pending the test reports. According to preliminary findings, no evidence of staff negligence has emerged so far. However, officials said the inquiry is underway and further action will be taken based on the final investigation report.

–IANS

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