Six women suffered from severe bleeding, infections, low platelet count and multiple organ dysfunction after cesarean section at PBM Hospital in Bikaner in Rajasthan over the past two weeks, raising concerns about healthcare standards and post-operative care.
This came a month after five women died after giving birth by caesarean section at a government hospital in Kota.
The six women were admitted to PBM Hospital’s intensive care unit, and some of them required dialysis, people familiar with the matter said. They added that the ages of the six women ranged between 20 and 27 years.
Jabidah Bano, a relative of one of the six women, said that she suffered from continuous bleeding after giving birth and was not transferred to the intensive care unit until her condition worsened significantly. “We were told that everything was normal after the operation, but later her condition suddenly became critical.”
Lekram said his wife complained of severe weakness and discomfort after surgery, and her condition continued to deteriorate. Relatives of other women said they suffered complications even though they initially declared their condition stable after giving birth.
Dr Santosh Khajotia of PBM Hospital said infection alone may not explain cases of kidney failure. “Excessive blood loss during or after surgery can also lead to such complications. A detailed medical investigation has been initiated to determine the exact cause,” she added.
Medical experts noted similarities between the Bikaner cases and those reported in Kota, where several women developed kidney-related complications within hours of caesarean delivery. Patients experienced a sudden drop in blood pressure, urinary tract complications, low platelet counts, and severe infections within 8 to 10 hours of surgery. Some needed dialysis and ventilator support, prompting the state government to form an investigation committee and specialized treatment teams.
PBM Hospital Superintendent Bhiham Chand Ghia rejected comparisons with the Kota deaths. He said three of the patients were being treated for pre-existing complications. “Another patient was referred to PBM Hospital in critical condition.” He said only one patient admitted to the hospital’s maternity ward required intensive care unit care.
Ghia stressed that the patients did not suffer from any postoperative complications or injection complications and that all cases are currently undergoing medical review.
Five of the women have recovered, while only one remains in the ICU, Additional District Magistrate Umed Singh Ratno said. He said that the administration has requested a report from PBM Hospital to ascertain the exact reason behind the complications.
