Daijiworld Media Network - Jaipur
Jaipur, May 10: The Rajasthan government has ordered sweeping administrative and regulatory action after the deaths of two women following Caesarean deliveries at Kota Medical College, along with reports that several other patients developed serious complications.
As an immediate precaution, the state Drug Control Department has banned the use, sale, and distribution of 24 medicines and medical devices across Rajasthan until further notice.
The restricted items include injections, IV fluids such as glucose bottles, syringes, catheters, and other consumables used during surgeries and post-operative care.
Drug Controller Ajay Phatak issued instructions to the Rajasthan Medical Services Corporation Limited (RMSCL) and all medical suppliers, directing them to halt the use of the flagged medicines and devices until laboratory test results are received.
Officials clarified that none of the identified products will be used in government hospitals or medical colleges in the state until further orders.
According to preliminary data, 15 of the 24 items under review were supplied to Kota Medical College through RMSCL, while the remaining nine were procured directly at the hospital level.
Samples of all suspected medicines and devices have been sent for laboratory testing, and their status will depend on the outcome of the investigation.
The action follows serious concerns raised after two maternal deaths occurred shortly after Caesarean procedures at Kota Medical College. Several other patients were also reported to have fallen critically ill, triggering alarm within the health administration.
In response, the Medical Department has ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident. Early findings have reportedly indicated lapses in medical care and possible negligence by doctors and nursing staff.
Following the preliminary report, disciplinary action has been initiated against multiple personnel. Dr Shraddha Upadhyay, serving on an Urgent Temporary Basis (UTB), has been removed from duty.
Two nursing staff members and Dr Navneet Kumar, Assistant Professor in the Surgery Department, have been suspended, while show-cause notices have been issued to the ward in-charge and other staff involved.
Investigators also found that senior doctors were reportedly absent from the post-gynaecology ward, leaving resident doctors to manage critical patient care responsibilities.
Rajasthan Health Minister Gajendra Singh Khimsar said a detailed investigation is ongoing and assured strict action against anyone found responsible.
Meanwhile, the Congress party has set up a four-member committee to conduct its own inquiry into the incident and has asked for a report within three days.