The Rajasthan government has taken significant administrative steps in response to the deaths of two women post-Caesarean deliveries at Kota Medical College and the illness of other patients. As a precautionary measure, the Drug Control Department has prohibited the use, sale, and distribution of 24 medicines and medical devices statewide until further notice. The banned items include various medical supplies like injections, glucose bottles, IV sets, syringes, and catheters commonly used in surgeries and postnatal care.
Drug Controller Ajay Phatak has instructed the Rajasthan Medical Services Corporation Limited (RMSCL) and medicine vendors not to utilize or distribute the medicines and devices undergoing laboratory testing. These restricted items will not be utilized in any government hospital or medical college until the test results are available.
Officials mentioned that 15 of the scrutinized medicines and devices were supplied by RMSCL to Kota Medical College, while the hospital procured the remaining nine locally. Samples of all these items have been sent for lab analysis, and their usage will be halted until the investigation is completed.
The controversy arose after two women died post-Caesarean operations at Kota Medical College, with other patients facing severe health issues. In response to public concern, the Medical Department has initiated a high-level inquiry into the matter. Preliminary investigations suggest negligence by medical staff, leading to disciplinary actions against several officials and employees.
Dr. Shraddha Upadhyay, serving on an Urgent Temporary Basis, has been dismissed in connection with the incident. Additionally, two nursing staff members and Dr. Navneet Kumar, an Assistant Professor in the Surgery Department, have been suspended. Show-cause notices have been issued to the ward in-charge and other medical staff.
The inquiry revealed the absence of senior doctors from the post-gynaecology ward, resulting in resident doctors primarily handling patient care. State Health Minister Gajendra Singh Khimsar assured a thorough investigation and strict actions against those responsible. The Congress has formed a four-member inquiry committee to investigate the issue and requested a report within three days.
