Jaipur, June 20 -- Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot has written to chief minister Bhajan Lal Sharma seeking strict action over the deaths of women after childbirth and kidney failure cases reported among several patients at government hospitals in Kota and Bikaner. Calling the incidents a case of "institutional failure" of the state healthcare system, Gehlot demanded criminal action against those responsible, immediate compensation for victims' families and public disclosure of investigation reports. In his letter, Gehlot said he personally visited Kota on June 17 and met affected women undergoing treatment and their family members. He described the situation at New Medical College Hospital as "heart-rending", saying the victims belonged to poor families who had placed their trust in the government healthcare system. He alleged that preliminary investigations had pointed to negligence in treatment. While doctors have not publicly identified the exact reasons behind the deaths, media reports and expert opinions have raised concerns about the quality of medicines supplied through government channels, unhygienic conditions in sensitive hospital areas, possible infections and lapses in medical care. He further claimed that five other women remain admitted to the hospital with severe kidney damage and are undergoing dialysis one to three times a week....