Rajasthan's Maternal Deaths: 18 Women Die in Two Months, Families Seek Answers

In a narrow lane in Bhilwara, a wooden cot covered with a white sheet has become the centre of a quiet gathering. A father sits with his four-year-old daughter, while his seven-day-old baby sleeps inside, cradled by an aunt. The mother of these children died 48 hours after giving birth on 8 July at the Bhilwara government hospital. The little girl, Disha, keeps asking when her mother will return. Her father and grandparents have no answers.

This is one of several similar tragedies in Rajasthan. Over the past two months, 18 maternal deaths have been reported across five districts, raising serious concerns about the state's healthcare system. In the last week alone, five women died at the Bhilwara hospital. After each incident, inquiry committees are formed, inspections conducted, and reports prepared. Yet cases continue to emerge.

Isha's husband, Manish, alleges negligence. He says they brought her to the hospital on the night of 5 July but did not get a bed until the next day. She underwent surgery and initially seemed fine. However, on 7 July, her condition worsened suddenly. Despite repeated requests, no doctor responded in time. Manish says his first child was delivered in the same hospital without problems, but this time the lapse proved fatal.

Isha's mother, Hemlata, says she approached doctors four times, but they were busy drinking tea and talking among themselves. She blames medical negligence for her daughter's death.

An NDTV team visiting the Bhilwara hospital found the ground reality far from satisfactory. Patients and families were seen waiting on benches and even on the floor. In one instance, a patient lay unconscious for nearly 10 minutes before receiving attention. One operation theatre remains closed. A slogan on its gate reads, "Trust of mothers is with us," but recent incidents have shaken that trust. Posters inside emphasise the importance of mother's milk, yet several newborns have already lost their mothers.

Meanwhile, ASHA workers, who are responsible for monitoring pregnant women in rural areas, are on strike. Their protest raises further questions about the system.

Hospital authorities, however, have given themselves a clean chit. Medical College Superintendent Dr. Arun Gaur stated that the deaths occurred due to different medical reasons. According to the administration, one of the five women was not pregnant. Phori Devi, admitted on 30 June for uterine surgery, died on 7 July due to a heart attack. Shimla Gurjar, referred in critical condition, died from multiple complications including hypovolemic shock and septicemia. Isha Pandey died from pulmonary thromboembolism. Divya Sen died from HELLP syndrome and eclampsia. Sangeeta Jingar died from severe postpartum haemorrhage.

The recurring maternal deaths have left communities grieving and demanding accountability. As families like Isha's struggle with unanswered questions, the healthcare system faces scrutiny over its ability to protect mothers and newborns.