Rajasthan bans 24 medical items after 2 caesarean deaths at Kota Medical College

The Rajasthan government has halted the use and distribution of 24 medicines and medical devices across the state after two women died following Caesarean deliveries at Kota Medical College. 

The Drug Control Department has ordered that the medicines and devices under scrutiny will not be used in any government hospital or medical college until laboratory test reports are received. The move comes after several other patients reportedly fell seriously ill, triggering a major health scare in Rajasthan.

Officials said 15 of the 24 items being investigated were supplied by the Rajasthan Medical Services Corporation Limited (RMSCL), while nine products were purchased locally by the hospital administration. Samples of all medicines and devices have been sent for testing.

The controversy erupted after two women died following Caesarean operations at Kota Medical College, sparking public outrage and demands for accountability. The Medical Department later launched a high-level inquiry into the incident.

Which medicines and medical devices have been banned?

Authorities said the restricted list includes injections, glucose bottles, IV sets, syringes, catheters and other medical supplies commonly used during surgeries and postnatal care. However, officials have not yet publicly confirmed whether any specific medicine or device directly caused the deaths.

Drug Controller Ajay Phatak directed RMSCL and medicine vendors not to sell or distribute the products under investigation until further orders.

What action has been taken against hospital staff?

Preliminary findings reportedly pointed towards negligence by doctors and nursing staff at Kota Medical College. Following the inquiry, Dr Shraddha Upadhyay was removed from service, while two nursing staff members and Dr Navneet Kumar, Assistant Professor in the Surgery Department, were suspended.

The probe also reportedly found that senior doctors were absent from the post-gynaecology ward, leaving patient care largely in the hands of resident doctors.

State Health Minister Gajendra Singh Khimsar said a detailed investigation is underway and strict action will be taken against those found responsible.

With IANS inputs