Lack of Obstetrics and Gynaecology unit raises concern at Rajasthan Hospital

Jaipur: The incident of a pregnant woman delivering her baby outside the Kanwatia Government Hospital in the city on April 3 after she was allegedly denied admission has brought attention to the lack of a permanent obstetrics and gynaecology unit at the hospital. 

The incident highlights significant gaps in care at the facility, which currently relies on a rotating unit provided monthly by the Sawai Man Singh Medical College.

Four years ago, Kanwatia Government Hospital had a dedicated obstetrics and gynaecology unit, but the current situation has reduced the quality of care for patients. The hospital typically handles around 140 to 150 births monthly, underscoring the need for consistent and reliable maternity services. However, for now, the Sawai Man Singh Medical College provides a rotating unit every month.  

In contrast, nearby hospitals such as Gangori Hospital, affiliated with SMS Medical College, maintain dedicated obstetrics and gynaecology units. As per a recent media report by Times of India, recently a meeting was held to talk about improving facilities at Kanwatia Government Hospital. The administration has requested a permanent gynaecology unit that would include a professor, associate, and assistant professors, and senior resident doctors. The hospital argued that such a unit is crucial to adequately care for the 140 to 150 pregnant women it admits each month, helping to prevent further incidents. 

In response to the incident on April 3, the medical education department formed a five-member committee to reinvestigate the case. As a result of the inquiry, senior resident Dr Sushma and three other resident doctors were initially suspended. However, Dr Sushma's suspension was later rescinded following her appeal.

Medical Dialogues team had earlier reported that this move was taken after a preliminary investigation found their action as "serious negligence and insensitivity" and consequently suspended them. In addition to suspending them, the department also served a show cause notice to the medical superintendent Dr Rajendra Singh Tanwar for supervisory negligence in the case.