A second woman has died within 48 hours following complications after Caesarean deliveries at New Medical Hospital in Kota, Rajasthan, intensifying outrage among families and Opposition workers, hospital officials confirmed on Thursday, 8 May 2025. The deaths are part of a cluster of six women who reportedly developed kidney-related complications after undergoing C-sections at the hospital's gynaecology ward on 4 May.

The Second Death

The deceased has been identified as Jyoti, 20, who died on Thursday morning after being placed on ventilator support when her condition turned critical. Her death follows that of Payal, 28, who died on 5 May — making it two maternal deaths within two days at the same facility. Following Jyoti's death, family members refused to accept the body and staged a protest outside the hospital's Super Specialty Block (SSB), demanding strict action against those responsible.

Protests and Political Response

Congress workers joined the agitation, setting up tents outside the medical college campus and announcing that the protest would continue until accountability is fixed. Rajasthan Energy Minister Hiralal Nagar visited the hospital along with senior health officials, stating that the immediate priority was ensuring the recovery of the women currently undergoing treatment. "A thorough investigation is being conducted. Responsibility will be fixed and action taken based on the findings," he said.

Investigation Underway

Kota Collector Piyush Samaria visited the hospital on Thursday morning and confirmed that a technical investigation team has been constituted to probe the matter. "We are conducting a detailed analysis to determine whether the medicines and treatment administered were clinically appropriate. Only after the investigation will the exact cause become clear," he said. A four-member medical team from Jaipur also reached Kota following instructions from Rajasthan Health Minister Gajendra Singh Khimsar, comprising specialists from anaesthesia, medicine, gynaecology, and nephrology departments.

Condition of Remaining Patients

Medical College Principal Nilesh Jain said the exact cause behind the deterioration of the women's health is yet to be determined, but the remaining patients are currently stable, though not fully out of danger. The condition of Dhanni, Sushila, and Ragini reportedly remains serious, and doctors have advised shifting them to Jaipur for advanced treatment. However, their families are yet to consent to the transfer. One patient, Chandrakala, showed signs of improvement; she said she remembered nothing after the surgery but began experiencing severe health complications later and continues to suffer from abdominal pain.

Background and Family Allegations

According to hospital sources, all six women underwent Caesarean operations on 4 May at different times. Payal's condition reportedly deteriorated first, leading to her death on 5 May, after which the health of the other women subsequently worsened and they were shifted to the SSB ward for critical care. Payal's family has alleged gross negligence on the part of the hospital administration; her newborn child is now being cared for by the grandmother. With investigations ongoing and three patients still in serious condition, the coming days will be critical both medically and in terms of institutional accountability at the Kota facility.