The recent deaths of two women after childbirth in Jodhpur have once again highlighted worries about maternal healthcare in Rajasthan. The state government claims to have stepped up monitoring of pregnant women through a comprehensive statewide inspection campaign. These fatalities follow similar incidents in Kota, Bikaner, and Banswara, prompting a closer look at the state’s referral system and emergency obstetric care.
One of the deceased women, Samu, underwent a normal delivery at Tinwari Hospital but faced severe postpartum bleeding that led to her referral to Umaid Hospital and later to Mahatma Gandhi Hospital in Jodhpur. Despite extensive medical interventions, including an emergency hysterectomy, she passed away due to complications. Hospital authorities reported that she suffered hypovolemic shock from massive blood loss, resulting in kidney failure and other organ complications.
In another case, Dimple, admitted to Mathuradas Mathur Hospital, saw her condition deteriorate suddenly after nearly 20 days of treatment post-delivery. She passed away, with post-mortem conducted the next day. Hospital officials noted that several women in Jodhpur faced serious health issues after giving birth, with many having undergone Caesarean deliveries. Dhapu, among them, experienced complications after an alleged incompatible blood transfusion at Umaid Hospital and is currently under treatment.
Presently, five women are hospitalized at Umaid Hospital, while two, including Dhapu, are receiving care at Mahatma Gandhi Hospital. These maternal deaths occurred shortly after a five-day intensive inspection campaign by the Rajasthan government aimed at enhancing maternal healthcare. The campaign involved reviewing medical records of pregnant women, monitoring high-risk pregnancies, and inspecting health institutions for service quality and hygiene.
