Two women die after C-sections in Bundi; Rajasthan orders probe, seals OT

Two women who underwent caesarean deliveries at the District Women's Hospital in Bundi died earlier this week at separate private hospitals in Kota, prompting the State's Medical and Health Department to temporarily seal the hospital's operating theatre and begin infection-control measures, including sampling and culture testing.

Kavita Kumawat, 32, of Tonk, and Varsha Sain, 28, of Bundi, were admitted to the Bundi hospital on September 15 and delivered through surgery. Their condition deteriorated shortly afterwards, and they were referred to the Government Medical College in Kota, about 40 km away. Both were subsequently shifted to private hospitals in Kota, where they died during treatment the following day. The children delivered through the surgeries are reported to be in good health.

Bundi Collector Harphool Singh Yadav has sought a report from the department. A three-member inquiry committee, headed by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate and including the Chief Medical and Health Officer and the Head of the Gynaecology Department, has been constituted in Bundi to investigate. A department spokesperson said a woman gynaecologist at the hospital had been relieved of duty, and that 10 women with high-risk pregnancies were currently admitted there.

The families of the deceased have demanded an impartial inquiry, action against those found responsible, and compensation of ₹50 lakh each.

The deaths add to a string of fatal complications following caesarean sections at government hospitals across Rajasthan in recent months. Five women died after such deliveries in Kota in May, and eight fell ill after C-sections at a Jodhpur government hospital in June. Maternal deaths were also reported from government hospitals in Bhilwara, Banswara and Bikaner in July. Between May and the end of July, the State recorded 19 maternal deaths. Investigations did not establish a common cause, though infection, patient monitoring and procedural lapses were examined. The State government later announced measures, including an intensive pregnancy-screening drive, to prevent such deaths.

The recurring incidents have raised questions about the State's maternal healthcare infrastructure.