Jaipur: Rajasthan's health department on Tuesday sought an urgent report from Bikaner authorities after six women developed acute kidney-related complications following deliveries at Bikaner's PBM Hospital and were shifted to intensive care units. The decision came after news reports indicated that the women, aged 20 to 27, had to be moved to ICUs after childbirth over the past two weeks.
Background of the Incident
Last month, five women died after similar kidney-related complications following Caesarean-section deliveries at the government-run JK Lon Hospital and New Medical College Hospital in Kota. Those deaths prompted an investigation by a team of experts from AIIMS Delhi, focusing on three aspects: possible contamination in medicines, infection linked to operation theatres or medical equipment, and negligence in treatment and patient monitoring.
Health Minister's Response
Health Minister Gajendra Singh Khimsar, while ordering a detailed medical and administrative inquiry into the Bikaner cases, stated that there was no prima facie evidence of negligence in the treatment of the women. Chairing a high-level review meeting with senior health officials and medical experts, Khimsar was informed that media reports linking kidney failure specifically to caesarean deliveries did not accurately reflect the medical facts. According to the report presented at the meeting, five patients admitted between May 15 and June 3 were under discussion, including three with normal deliveries and two who underwent caesarean sections.
Patient Conditions
Officials said the women were admitted with complex conditions such as severe eclampsia, postpartum haemorrhage, reduced urine output, and other complications that can require dialysis and intensive care. One patient suffering from severe eclampsia remains critical and has undergone multiple dialysis sessions, while the condition of most others is stable, officials added.
Khimsar emphasized, “Prima facie, this does not appear to be a case of medical negligence. However, every aspect is being examined thoroughly and if any lapse is found, strict action will be taken against the responsible personnel.” He said the state government was closely monitoring the situation and directed officials to ensure the best possible treatment for all patients. “People should rely only on authorized and factual information. A detailed inquiry is underway and final conclusions will be based on medical evidence,” he stated.
Hospital's Investigation
SP Medical College principal Dr. Surendra Verma said the exact cause of the complications was yet to be established. “Acute kidney injury can occur due to multiple factors. We are examining every possible cause and have constituted a team to investigate the matter. At this stage, we cannot rule out any possibility, including infection,” Verma said. He added that the hospital was considering installing an advanced infection-detection system to strengthen monitoring and identify contamination early.
Doctors involved in the inquiry said infection may not be the sole cause, pointing out that many deliveries and caesarean sections were conducted during the period, while only a small number of patients developed severe complications. Sources said the women's condition worsened several days after delivery, prompting transfers to critical care.
Official Statements
Officials said PBM Hospital, a tertiary referral centre, routinely receives critically ill cases from across the region, and the inquiry will examine links to infection, surgical factors, or underlying conditions. Khimsar directed authorities to strengthen infection control, ensure protocol adherence, and continuously monitor quality standards, saying, “No compromise will be allowed in patient care and treatment.”
