Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on 19 June described the deaths of postpartum women and kidney failure cases at government hospitals in Kota and Bikaner as a shocking 'institutional failure' of Rajasthan's public healthcare system, demanding the highest-level accountability from Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma. In a strongly worded letter, Gehlot said poor women who had placed their trust in government hospitals had paid a devastating price for alleged negligence and systemic lapses.

What Happened at Kota and Bikaner

According to Gehlot's letter, five women have died following childbirth at the New Medical College Hospital in Kota since 4 May, while several others continue to suffer kidney damage and require regular dialysis. At PBM Hospital in Bikaner, multiple women reportedly suffered kidney failure after childbirth, with investigation findings pointing to poor sanitation, infection risks near operation theatres, and inadequate critical-care facilities.

Gehlot said he personally visited Kota on 17 June and met the affected women and their families, describing the conditions he witnessed as 'heart-wrenching'.

What Investigations Have Found

Gehlot cited media reports and expert findings that pointed to possible factors including substandard medicines, poor hygiene, infection in critical hospital areas, and medical negligence. He also referred to concerns reportedly raised by an AIIMS team regarding infection in the operation theatre — concerns that, he said, contradicted claims made by hospital authorities.

Notably, Gehlot expressed concern that investigation reports prepared by AIIMS and state agencies have not yet been made public, arguing that transparency is essential to establish whether the cause lay in medicines, treatment protocols, patient care, or infection control — and to prevent similar tragedies.

Key Demands Raised by Gehlot

The Congress veteran's demands include: immediate suspension of officials and doctors found responsible and registration of FIRs against them; public release of investigation reports submitted by AIIMS and state authorities; expedited forensic testing, including sending samples outside Rajasthan if required; immediate financial assistance to affected families from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund; full government support for lifelong treatment, including kidney transplants where necessary; consultation with specialists from premier institutions such as AIIMS; a statewide review of infection-control protocols in operation theatres at government hospitals; and public reassurance regarding the safety of maternal healthcare services at the hospitals in question.

Broader Implications for Rajasthan's Healthcare System

Gehlot argued that the incidents reflect systemic shortcomings rather than isolated accidents, calling them far more serious than an ordinary medical mishap. This comes amid longstanding concerns about infrastructure gaps and medicine procurement in Rajasthan's public health network. The incidents at two separate hospitals — in different districts — within weeks of each other has amplified calls for a comprehensive audit of maternal care facilities across the state.

The Bhajanlal Sharma government is yet to formally respond to Gehlot's letter. With investigation reports still withheld and affected families awaiting both justice and medical support, the pressure on the state administration is set to intensify in the days ahead.