1 Dead, 5 Critical After C-Sections at Kota Hospital, Om Birla Visits Patients

A 26-year-old woman died and five others remain in critical condition after developing severe complications following caesarean surgeries at the Government New Medical College Hospital in Kota, prompting multiple investigations by Rajasthan authorities.

The complications emerged around 8 to 10 hours after 12 to 13 women underwent C-sections between Monday evening and late night. According to hospital officials, six women suddenly developed low blood pressure , falling platelets, urinary blockage and signs of serious kidney complications .

The deceased woman, identified as Payal , was a resident of Bhainsrorgarh in Chittorgarh district. Officials said her newborn son is healthy and has been sent home with relatives. The five other affected women — Ragini Meena, Sushila, Chandrakala, Dhanni and Jyoti — are undergoing treatment in the nephrology ICU , with one patient reportedly on ventilator support.

Hospital superintendent Dr Nilesh Jain admitted that “something went wrong” and said doctors are trying to determine why only six women developed complications while others recovered normally. He added that the patients remain under observation and cannot yet be declared out of danger, with the next 72 to 96 hours considered crucial due to the risk of multiple organ failure .

Authorities are investigating possible causes including contaminated medicines , adverse drug reactions, infection, sterilisation lapses and post-operative negligence. Medicines administered after surgery have been sealed for laboratory testing, while the post-operative gynaecology ward has reportedly been temporarily shut.

The Rajasthan government has formed several probe panels , including a death-audit committee and a specialist inquiry team. A four-member expert team from Jaipur’s Sawai Man Singh Medical College has also been sent to Kota.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla visited the hospital on Wednesday and assured strict action if negligence is found.