Kota C-section deaths probe delayed as drug tests sent out of state

Jaipur: The investigation into three deaths and multiple complications following C-sections at Govt Medical College, Kota, is expected to take longer as laboratory testing of the 24 seized medicine samples will take around 15 days. Some samples have been sent to Kolkata because Rajasthan does not have facility for certain tests. Of the 24 samples, 14 were supplied under the state’s free medicine scheme by Rajasthan Medical Services Corporation Limited, while nine were procured locally by the hospital.

The state govt Sunday formed a six-member committee to investigate the deterioration in the health of parturient women at the hospital. The new panel replaces the earlier four-member team from SMS Medical College, Jaipur, which returned Sunday after assisting in treatment and preliminary investigation.

The earlier team comprised Dr Nihar Sharma from anaesthesia, Dr Sunil Kumar Mahavar from medicine, Dr Pawan Aggarwal from obstetrics and gynaecology, and Dr Sanjeev Kumar Sharma from nephrology.

The newly constituted committee includes Dr Monika Jain, Additional Principal and Coordinator of the Pharmacovigilance Centre; Dr Dhananjay Aggarwal, Senior Professor, Department of Nephrology; the Professor and Head of Obstetrics and Gynaecology; the Professor and Head of General Medicine; Dr Dilip Raj, Senior Professor, Preventive and Social Medicine; and Dr Saroj Huja, Senior Professor, Microbiology.

“The six-member committee will immediately conduct an inquiry and submit its report to the state govt,” medical education commissioner Babu Lal Goyal said.

Since the complications were first reported Wednesday, the exact cause behind the women’s deterioration remains unclear. Although the government has collected drug samples and material from operation theatres, no conclusion has been reached yet.

Investigators are examining whether medicines administered during or after surgery were contaminated or otherwise linked to the adverse reactions. The lab reports are expected to be crucial in fixing responsibility and preventing further cases.

Following the incident, the medical education dept has directed principals, controllers of medical colleges, medical superintendents and other officials to take strict and immediate steps to ensure proper stocking and storage of drugs and fluids.

Officials have been told to ensure that all medical supplies are stored according to prescribed guidelines on temperature, moisture control, ventilation, cleanliness, safety and other required conditions. Regular monitoring, inspection and accountability have also been ordered to prevent any compromise in the quality, safety or efficacy of medical supplies.

A medical education dept official said any negligence in this matter would be viewed seriously.