Private hospitals to display data of C-Section deliveries

In order to keep a check on the unusual increase in C-Section surgeries, the Health Ministry has directed all private hospitals to prominently display data of deliveries through Caesarean along with normal deliveries in the hospital.

According to a statement by Women and Child Development Minister Maneka Gandhi, the instruction is applicable to all the private hospitals empanelled under the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS).

The step has been taken after Gandhi expressed concern to Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda about the unusual increase in C-Section surgeries reported from different states in recent years. 

Gandhi had pointed out that while the recommendation of the World Health Organisation (WHO) suggests that deliveries through C-Section should normally be in the range of 10-15 per cent of the total deliveries, the percentage is 54 and 34, respectively, in states like Telangana and Tamil Nadu. 

"A report titled 'Deciphering the Determination and Impacts of Rising Rate of C-Sections and offering Potential Solutions' has been disseminated to all the state governments and UT administrations to effectively get them to provide C-Section only to those women who actually require it," the statement added.

The Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India (FOGSI) has also been sounded about the harmful effects of unwarranted C-Sections. 

In addition, the states have been directed to conduct periodical prescription audit of the health facilities specifically on this issue.