Rajasthan: Eight Maternal Deaths After C-Section Deliveries Trigger Multiple Probes

July 11, 2026

Jaipur: Eight maternal deaths reported after Caesarean-section (C-section) deliveries in Rajasthan—six in Bhilwara and two in Banswara—have sparked concerns over infection control and patient safety in the state’s public healthcare system. Authorities have launched multiple investigations, while former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has demanded an independent probe by the Union Health Ministry.

According to officials, six women died within five days at Mahatma Gandhi Government Hospital in Bhilwara after undergoing C-section deliveries. Hospital authorities have confirmed that an infection was detected in the operation theatre (OT), though it is yet to be established whether it directly contributed to the deaths.

Surgeries Suspended, Samples Sent for Testing

Following reports of infection, surgeries in the affected operation theatre were suspended and several patients were shifted to other hospitals as a precaution.

Officials said samples from the operation theatre, surgical instruments, equipment and medicines have been sent for microbiological examination. A five-member inquiry committee has also been constituted to investigate the deaths and examine whether there were lapses in infection control or hospital protocols.

The hospital has also come under scrutiny over reports that it performs 30 to 40 C-section surgeries daily despite having only five surgical sets, raising questions over sterilisation and infection management.

Two More Maternal Deaths Reported in Banswara

In a separate incident, two women died in Banswara after undergoing Caesarean deliveries and giving birth to their first children.

According to preliminary information, one of the women was anaemic while the other suffered from high blood pressure. Authorities are investigating the exact causes of both deaths.

Gehlot Seeks Independent Central Investigation

Reacting to the incidents, former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot described the deaths as “heart-rending and extremely alarming” and alleged that they reflected serious shortcomings in the state’s healthcare system.

He questioned the continuation of C-section surgeries despite reports of infection in the operation theatre and raised concerns over the reported shortage of surgical equipment.

Gehlot also urged the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to immediately send an expert team to Rajasthan to conduct an independent assessment of government hospitals and investigate the recent maternal deaths.

He appealed to Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda to intervene urgently to prevent further loss of life.

Health Department Awaits Laboratory Reports

The Rajasthan Health Department said investigations are underway and action will be taken based on the findings of the inquiry committees and laboratory reports.

Officials said the exact cause of the infections and the maternal deaths will be determined after the completion of microbiological testing.