The state government has tightened hospital protocols and directed stricter implementation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) across healthcare facilities following maternal deaths reported in Kota and Bikaner. The move comes after an investigation conducted by experts from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, highlighted gaps in the implementation of clinical protocols in critical care areas.

According to officials, the AIIMS investigation into the maternal deaths in Kota identified the need for rigorous adherence to established SOPs in labour rooms, operation theatres, intensive care units and other critical hospital departments. Based on the findings, the state health department has issued fresh directives to government healthcare institutions to strengthen monitoring, improve patient management protocols and enhance emergency obstetric care services.

The revised measures include stricter supervision of labour room practices, improved infection control mechanisms, enhanced monitoring of high risk pregnancies and mandatory compliance with emergency response protocols. Healthcare institutions have also been directed to ensure adequate availability of trained medical personnel, essential medicines, blood products and critical care infrastructure.

Maternal mortality remains an important public health indicator globally and nationally. According to the latest Sample Registration System (SRS) data, India’s Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) declined to 97 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births, reflecting significant progress over the past decade. However, experts emphasize that continued improvements in emergency obstetric care, timely referrals and adherence to clinical protocols remain essential to further reducing maternal deaths.

The state government has also instructed health authorities to strengthen audit mechanisms and regularly review maternal health outcomes to identify systemic gaps and improve quality of care. Officials stated that lessons from the AIIMS investigation will be incorporated into ongoing efforts to enhance patient safety and maternal healthcare services across the state.

Healthcare experts note that strict implementation of evidence based protocols, timely intervention and continuous staff training are critical components of safe maternal care. They believe that strengthening institutional preparedness and accountability mechanisms can significantly improve maternal health outcomes and reduce preventable deaths.

The latest directives underscore the government’s commitment to improving healthcare quality and ensuring that hospitals maintain the highest standards of patient safety, particularly in critical areas such as maternal and neonatal care.