Jaipur, Jul 11 (PTI) Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot on Saturday expressed concern over the deaths of women in government hospitals in Bhilwara and Banswara and demanded an inquiry by the Union Health Ministry.
Five women died allegedly in the maternity ward of Mahatma Gandhi Hospital in Bhilwara over the past week, raising questions over hygiene and sterilisation practices at the facility. Similar reports emerged from a hospital in Banswara this week where four women died.
“The death of five women in just six days at Mahatma Gandhi Hospital in Bhilwara, and similar deaths reported in Banswara, are heart-rending and extremely worrying,” Gehlot said in a statement.
Alleging serious lapses in the healthcare system, the senior Congress leader claimed that surgeries continued despite warning signs.
“Continuing caesarean operations despite infection being reported positive in the operation theatre, and having only five surgical sets for 30-40 operations, directly indicates gross negligence and a deteriorating medical system,” Gehlot said.
He said the situation was disturbing, referring to similar concerns in other cities. “After Kota, Bikaner and Jodhpur, the situation now emerging in Bhilwara is deeply disturbing,” he said.
Targeting the BJP-led state government, the Congress leader questioned its handling of the situation.
“Has Rajasthan been left to the mercy of god by the BJP government? The series of such incidents shows that the government has no concern about them,” he said.
Gehlot urged the Centre to step in and conduct a thorough assessment.
“The Union Health Ministry should send a team of experts to investigate and assess the situation in hospitals across Rajasthan so that the lives of women can be saved,” he said. PTI AG MPL MPL
This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.