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Kota maternal deaths: NHRC seeks Rajasthan govt's response

By A Representative 
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sought a detailed response from the Rajasthan Government after taking cognisance of a complaint filed by the Rajasthan chapter of Jan Swasthya Abhiyan India (JSAI) over maternal deaths and serious health complications allegedly linked to the use of suspected counterfeit or substandard oxytocin injections in government hospitals in Kota.
According to a press release issued by the Rajasthan unit of Jan Swasthya Abhiyan India on Wednesday, the Commission, through a letter dated July 27, 2026, directed the Rajasthan Health Secretary to submit a comprehensive report within eight weeks.
The NHRC has asked the state government to furnish details of the action taken so far, the status of the investigation, findings of the probe, action initiated against those found responsible, and the assistance and compensation provided to the affected families.
The complaint filed by Jan Swasthya Abhiyan alleged that the administration of suspected counterfeit or substandard oxytocin injections in government hospitals in Kota led to the deaths of several women while causing severe and, in some cases, permanent health injuries to others. The organisation demanded an independent investigation into the incident, stringent action against those responsible, lifelong medical treatment and rehabilitation for affected women, and adequate compensation for the families of those who died. 
The case has drawn nationwide attention over the past two months after reports emerged of maternal deaths following Caesarean deliveries at government hospitals in Kota. Laboratory testing by the Rajasthan Drug Control Department reportedly found that a batch of oxytocin injections supplied to hospitals lacked the required active pharmaceutical ingredient, prompting the state government to ban its sale and use while ordering multiple investigations. Subsequent official inquiries have also examined other possible contributing factors, including deficiencies in patient monitoring, infection control and clinical management. 
Earlier this month, Jan Swasthya Abhiyan India had approached the NHRC seeking intervention, urging the Commission to order an independent probe and ensure accountability, compensation, and long-term medical care for survivors. 
Welcoming the Commission's decision to take cognisance of the complaint, the Rajasthan unit of Jan Swasthya Abhiyan expressed hope that the NHRC's intervention would help secure justice for the affected families and strengthen measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The press release was issued by Basant Haryana, Anil Goswami, Kailash Meena, Sohanlal and Sita Dhanka on behalf of the Rajasthan chapter of Jan Swasthya Abhiyan India, with Amulya Nidhi representing the national organisation.

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