Jaipur: Reshma (40) died of kidney failure Saturday after a caesarean delivery at Kota’s New Medical College, highlighting gaps in Rajasthan’s maternal healthcare. A govt review found that only 12.6% of high-risk pregnancies used 104 Janani Express ambulances due to operational failures, including fuel shortages, unanswered calls, breakdowns, and poor vehicle inspections. This gap in timely transport can prove fatal for women requiring urgent care. Authorities have failed to address the systemic issues, opting instead for temporary suspensions of doctors involved in previous maternal deaths, further eroding trust in the public healthcare system. The ongoing lack of accountability and transparency leaves grieving families with unanswered questions and a rising sense of despair.Only 12.6% of high-risk pregnant women used govt ambulances to reach health facilities. A health department review has exposed gaps in 104 Janani Express service.The review, accessed by TOI, found that the average daily caseload per ambulance was just 0.77, with 114 vehicles recording zero cases. Communication gaps further affected operations. Calls to pilots (drivers) of 82 vehicles for patient transport went unanswered, highlighting coordination failure between ambulance staff, call centres and health authorities.Fuel shortages also disrupted the service, with 90 vehicles reportedly refusing cases due to lack of fuel. Another 167 ambulances reported repair or servicing issues to the Jaipur call centre.Following the findings, the health department directed all chief medical and health officers (CMHOs) to ensure compliance with state-level instructions for operating the ambulances. Districts have also been asked to replace vehicles registered in the ambulance category wherever required. Janani Express vehicles handling fewer than four cases are to be relocated to govt medical institutions in rural areas with high delivery loads.National Health Mission (state) mission director Jogaram said 600 ambulances were available under the Janani Express service across Rajasthan. Between Jan 2021 and Dec 10, 2025, the service benefited 18.8 lakh people, he said.The department warned that officials responsible for non-compliance would have to submit an explanation within three working days. Currently, Rajasthan Medicare Relief Society runs the service.GFX:
