Kota: A 31-year-old woman from Rajasthan’s Kota has died following severe post-delivery complications at a government hospital, becoming the fourth reported maternal death linked to similar complications within a week and intensifying concerns over healthcare practices at state-run medical facilities.
The deceased, identified as Pinky Mahawar, was a resident of Shriramnagar in Kota district.
She reportedly died shortly after midnight on Sunday while undergoing treatment at the Super Specialty Block of the government-run New Medical College Hospital (NMCH).
According to family members, Pinky’s condition deteriorated rapidly after she underwent a Caesarean section at JK Lone Hospital earlier this month.
Family alleges delay in referral
Pinky’s husband, Chandra Prakash, a daily wage labourer, alleged that doctors failed to shift her to a higher medical facility despite her worsening health condition.
He stated that after the surgery, Pinky’s blood pressure reportedly dropped sharply and she stopped passing urine, indicating serious kidney-related complications.
Family members claimed that her condition continued deteriorating over the following days, but she was referred to the Super Specialty Block only after becoming critically ill on May 10.
According to hospital records, Pinky was admitted on May 7 and underwent a C-section the same night.
Within less than 15 hours, doctors allegedly informed the family that an infection had developed in her uterus, requiring a second surgery.
She was later transferred by ambulance to NMCH’s Super Specialty Block, where she eventually died during treatment.
Multiple women reportedly developed complications
Pinky Mahawar is reportedly the second woman to die this week after undergoing a Caesarean section at JK Lone Hospital.
Hospital sources and health bulletins suggest that several other women who underwent C-sections at the hospital also developed severe post-delivery complications.
These reportedly included:
- Sudden drop in blood pressure
- Decline in platelet count
- Urinary blockage
- Kidney-related complications
Officials confirmed that at least six women remain under intensive medical observation at the NMCH Super Specialty Block.
Among the deceased are reportedly 22-year-old Priya Mahawar, along with women identified as Payal and Jyoti Nayak, who died on May 5 and May 7 respectively.
The cluster of complications has raised serious concerns among the public and health authorities regarding possible systemic issues.
Hospital administration responds
NMCH Principal Dr Nilesh Jain stated that Pinky Mahawar had been categorised as a “high-risk patient” from the early stages of pregnancy.
He also clarified that symptoms among women admitted directly to NMCH differed from those transferred from JK Lone Hospital.
According to him, it would be premature to conclude that all the cases formed part of a single medical cluster.
Hospital authorities have not yet confirmed whether the complications were linked to infection, medication, contaminated supplies or any procedural negligence.
State government orders inquiry
The deaths and complications have triggered widespread outrage and concern across Rajasthan, prompting intervention from the state government.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma has reportedly ordered a high-level inquiry into the incidents.
Medical Minister Gajendra Singh Khimsar is said to be personally monitoring the investigation.
The inquiry will examine whether medical negligence, contaminated medical supplies or other healthcare lapses contributed to the reported kidney failures and maternal deaths.
Health authorities are also expected to review surgical protocols, sterilisation procedures and post-operative monitoring systems at the hospitals involved.
Concerns grow over maternal healthcare
The incident has once again highlighted concerns regarding maternal healthcare and emergency treatment facilities in government hospitals.
Medical experts note that post-delivery complications such as infection, organ failure and septic conditions require immediate diagnosis and rapid intervention to prevent fatalities.
Public health activists have demanded transparency in the investigation and urged authorities to ensure accountability if negligence is established.
The deaths have also triggered fear among patients and families visiting government maternity hospitals in the region.
Meanwhile, doctors continue monitoring the condition of the remaining women undergoing treatment.
Authorities are expected to release further findings after preliminary medical investigations and expert reviews are completed.