Health Minister Reviews Maternal Mortality Cases in Bhilwara Hospital
Intensive Inspection of Mahatma Gandhi Hospital
In Jaipur, Health Minister Gajendra Singh Khivsar conducted a thorough inspection of the Mahatma Gandhi Hospital in Bhilwara, focusing on recent maternal mortality incidents. He evaluated the medical ICU, gynecological operation theater, and other relevant wards to assess healthcare arrangements.
During his visit, the minister interacted with critically ill patients in the ICU to gather information about their health and instructed staff to ensure regular monitoring of the newborns of deceased mothers.
Special Campaign for Maternal and Child Health
Khivsar announced a five-day special campaign starting July 15, aimed at strengthening maternal and child health services across the state. This initiative will involve comprehensive screening of all pregnant women according to established health standards. Additionally, necessary prenatal tests (ANC) will be systematically recorded, and regular health monitoring for each pregnant woman will be ensured.
The campaign aims to identify high-risk pregnancies early and provide them with specialized medical care and necessary treatments, thereby accelerating efforts to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates. Officials have already been instructed to prepare for this initiative.
Commitment to Quality Healthcare
The Health Minister emphasized that the state government is committed to providing timely and quality healthcare services to every pregnant woman, ensuring safe motherhood. Continuous monitoring at the departmental level, strict adherence to medical protocols, and accountability are being prioritized.
Following this, a high-level review meeting was chaired by the minister, attended by various officials including local legislators, district collectors, and senior medical professionals. The meeting focused on a detailed review of each case and ensuring 100% compliance with medical protocols.
Seriousness of Maternal Mortality Cases
Khivsar stated that the state government takes every maternal death very seriously. An investigation is being conducted by a state-level committee, and the findings will be made public. If any negligence or irregularities are found at any level, strict action will be taken against the responsible individuals.
The PMO of the hospital reported that four maternal deaths occurred at the facility. According to the hospital administration, one of the five women mentioned in the news was not a maternal patient but had been admitted for a uterine operation and died due to a heart attack. Another woman had not undergone any surgery at the hospital and was referred in critical condition, where she succumbed to hypovolemic shock. The remaining three maternal deaths were attributed to severe medical complications such as pulmonary thromboembolism, HELLP syndrome, and postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC).
Clarification on Surgical Procedures
The hospital administration clarified that all cesarean operations were performed in Operation Theater No. 1, where no infections were confirmed. Operation Theater No. 2 was closed since June 30 due to positive microbiological cultures and had not conducted any surgeries. Currently, the hospital has 22 sterilized operation sets available for use, along with an additional 10 sets. On average, 15 to 20 cesarean operations are successfully performed daily.