5 new mothers develop complications after C-section in Telangana hospital, 3 on dialysis

In a concerning medical incident, five out of ten women who underwent Caesarean sections at the Area Hospital in Banswada, Kamareddy district, Telangana, have developed post-operative complications. Three of them are currently on dialysis at Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS) in Hyderabad.

The surgeries took place on July 9 and 10, 2024. According to Dr M Vijay Bhaskar, Medical Superintendent of the Banswada hospital and in-charge District Coordinator of Health Services for Kamareddy, the first complication arose late on July 9 when a patient experienced hypotension and was referred to the Government General Hospital in Nizamabad. On July 10 evening, another woman complained of chest pain and was also transferred to Nizamabad. The situation escalated on July 11 when three more women developed complications, prompting further referrals.

“Though the symptoms were different, we felt that there was a possible pattern and initiated a detailed review,” Dr Bhaskar told The Indian Express. All five patients were subsequently moved to NIMS in Hyderabad for specialised care. As of now, three women remain on dialysis, while the condition of the others is reportedly stable.

The Telangana state government has formed an inquiry committee to investigate the cause of the complications. The committee will examine medical protocols, the quality of medicines and equipment used, and any possible lapses in post-operative care. A preliminary report is expected within a week.

Dr Bhaskar stated that the hospital has suspended elective C-sections temporarily pending the inquiry. Emergency procedures continue as usual. The district health authorities are also reviewing the cases of other women who underwent surgery on the same days to ensure no further complications arise.

The incident has raised concerns about maternal healthcare standards in rural hospitals. Banswada is a small town in Kamareddy district, and the Area Hospital serves a large population. Local activists have called for better infrastructure and training for medical staff. However, officials have stressed that such complications are not uncommon in major surgeries and that the swift referral process helped manage the situation.

The affected families have been informed, and the hospital is providing support. “Our priority is the recovery of these mothers. We are doing everything possible,” said Dr Bhaskar.

The Indian Express has reached out to NIMS for updates on the patients’ conditions. A spokesperson declined to comment, citing patient privacy.

This case highlights the need for rigorous monitoring and quality control in post-surgical care, especially in government hospitals. The inquiry committee’s findings will be crucial in preventing similar incidents in the future.