Two more women die after C-sections in Rajasthan’s Kota

Two women, Reshma and Roshan, died after Caesarean deliveries at New Medical College Hospital in Kota. Their deaths are especially significant because five women had died there six months earlier after childbirth with serious kidney complications. One family has alleged medical negligence, while hospital officials said both women were already critically ill.

Reshma had an emergency Caesarean on October 14 after arriving at 36 weeks with abdominal pain. She developed bleeding, falling blood pressure and oxygen levels, a slowing heart rate, and very low urine output. Roshan was transferred from a private hospital on October 16 and later died from post-haemorrhage complications and major blood loss.

Doctors are investigating possible pregnancy-related thrombotic microangiopathy and HELLP syndrome in Reshma’s case. Her family moved her to another hospital against medical advice, according to the hospital superintendent. The deaths add to 15 reported government-hospital deaths in Rajasthan since May, prompting continued concern about emergency maternity care.

A Caesarean section, or C-section, is an operation that delivers a baby through surgical openings in the abdomen and uterus. It differs from vaginal birth, where the baby passes through the birth canal. It may be planned or performed urgently when time or safety matters.

Doctors might recommend a C-section for problems such as a baby in a difficult position, serious bleeding, fetal distress, labour that is not progressing, or health risks affecting the mother. A history of earlier Caesareans can also influence delivery planning. In the article, Reshma had three previous Caesarean sections and excess amniotic fluid, then required an emergency operation at 36 weeks.

C-sections can be lifesaving, but they are major surgery. They can involve bleeding, infection, anaesthesia problems, or complications affecting other organs. The article does not compare C-section risks with vaginal birth generally, but it records severe bleeding and other serious problems after both reported operations.

Rajasthan has reported 15 deaths in government hospitals since May, according to the article. The deaths occurred in Kota, Bikaner, Bhilwara, and Banswara. Many followed Caesarean deliveries, with reported complications including kidney failure, severe bleeding, and infections.

Kota’s New Medical College Hospital had already seen five women die six months earlier after childbirth, with serious kidney complications reported. This week, Reshma and Roshan also died after Caesarean deliveries there. Their cases had different reported details: Reshma developed low blood pressure, low oxygen, and very low urine output, while Roshan died after major blood loss.

The hospital principal denied a link between the two new deaths and the May deaths. He said both patients were already in critical condition. The figures show why emergency maternity care remains under scrutiny, but the article does not provide a final investigation finding or a confirmed common cause.

The article describes several serious complications after childbirth. Reshma had mild postpartum haemorrhage, then sharply falling blood pressure and oxygen levels, a slowing heart rate, and significantly low urine output. Earlier deaths at the hospital involved serious kidney complications. Roshan died after post-haemorrhage complications and significant blood loss.

Doctors were investigating two possible conditions in Reshma’s case: pregnancy-related thrombotic microangiopathy and HELLP syndrome. Thrombotic microangiopathy involves abnormal injury to small blood vessels and can damage organs. HELLP stands for haemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count. The article calls both rare but potentially life-threatening complications affecting pregnancy.

The reported problems span bleeding, circulation, urine production, kidneys, blood, and the liver. Their exact relationship remains uncertain because the article reports an investigation rather than a final diagnosis. Hospital officials said both women received emergency treatment with specialist doctors, while Reshma’s family alleged medical negligence.

Heavy bleeding after childbirth can rapidly reduce the amount of blood circulating through the body. Blood pressure may fall, oxygen delivery to organs may weaken, and the heart can struggle to maintain circulation. If this continues, vital organs can fail. The article reports these warning signs in Reshma and major blood loss in Roshan.

The kidneys are especially vulnerable when circulation is poor. Reduced blood flow can sharply lower urine output and lead to kidney injury. Disorders involving small blood vessels can also harm organs and disrupt clotting. In HELLP syndrome, red blood cells break down, liver enzymes rise, and platelet levels fall, increasing risks from bleeding and organ damage.

These complications can progress quickly after delivery, which is why the women were moved for emergency care and specialist treatment. Reshma was treated in a Surgical ICU, while Roshan was transferred from a private hospital. The article does not establish one confirmed mechanism for every death, but it shows how overlapping emergencies can become life-threatening.

The hospital’s role is to recognize deterioration, stabilize the patient, provide surgery or intensive care, and document what happened. In Reshma’s case, doctors shifted her to the Surgical ICU and gave medicines supporting blood pressure and circulation. Hospital officials said specialist doctors assisted with emergency treatment for both women.

Families provide medical history, help make decisions, and may seek another hospital. Reshma’s family alleged negligence and later took her elsewhere against medical advice, according to the hospital superintendent. Roshan’s family arranged her transfer from a private hospital to the government hospital. These decisions can matter when a patient’s condition changes quickly.

Government health authorities have a wider responsibility to monitor deaths, review possible negligence, and improve emergency services. The article reports deaths across several Rajasthan cities and says investigations were continuing into possible medical causes. It does not state that a final government inquiry or disciplinary action has been completed.

Safe childbirth requires a system that can respond immediately when routine care becomes an emergency. Blood supplies help replace major losses. Surgery can control bleeding or address other urgent problems. Intensive care supports breathing, circulation, and failing organs. Trained specialists help identify rare conditions and choose treatment quickly.

The article gives clear examples. Reshma developed postpartum haemorrhage, falling blood pressure and oxygen levels, a slowing heart rate, and very low urine output. Doctors moved her to the Surgical ICU and used medicines to support circulation. Roshan had significant blood loss and died from post-haemorrhage complications after her Caesarean.

These cases show that a successful delivery does not remove the risk of serious complications afterward. The hospital said both women received emergency treatment with specialist assistance, but both died. With 15 deaths reported in Rajasthan government hospitals since May, the need for rapid, coordinated maternity emergency care remains a major concern.