Kota maternal deaths probe: Second drug fails quality test in Rajasthan

This India Today report delves into the ongoing investigation of the Kota maternal deaths, revealing that a second drug, dinoprostone gel, has failed quality tests. Earlier, oxytocin vials were found to contain only water. The dinoprostone gel, routinely used to induce labour, contained only 50 percent of the active ingredient and failed the weight uniformity test. This substandard medicine was supplied through the Rajasthan Medical Services Corporation and reached the New Medical College Hospital in Kota, where the maternal deaths are being investigated. The Rajasthan Drug Department has frozen the entire batch and blocked its supply across the state. While authorities have banned the Roorkee-based manufacturer, reporters highlight the poor storage conditions at government facilities and question the lack of accountability among senior hospital officials and the health ministry. The incident has intensified concerns over the quality of free medicines supplied to pregnant women in government hospitals.