Tumkuru district has consistently recorded the highest percentage of C-section deliveries in the state. According to the data, the overall percentage of C-section deliveries in this district (both public and private hospitals combined) increased from 63% in 2022-2023 to 67% in 2024-2025 (April to October). From the State Department of Health.
Statistics show that C-section deliveries in private hospitals in the district have increased from 76% in 2022-2023 to 80% this year. In public hospitals, there has been an increase from 52% to 55% in 2022-2023.
Considering the overall statistics of the state, caesarean section deliveries in both public and private hospitals have seen a jump from 38% in 2022-2023 to 46% in 2024-2025 (April to October). While the rate of increase in private hospitals has been large – from 48% in 2022-2023 to 61% this year (April to October), public hospitals have also seen a significant increase from 32% in 2022-2023 to 36% year on year.
The lowest rate is recorded in Yadgir, Kodagu, Raichur, Vijayapura and Kalaburgi, where the percentage is less than 40%. In Yadgir this year, 32 percent C-section deliveries took place in private hospitals and 15 percent in public hospitals. Overall, C-section deliveries in Yadgir increased from 11% in 2022-2023 to 16% this year.
While Bengaluru Rural is among the top five districts with high C-section rates, in Bengaluru Urban, C-section deliveries have increased from 40% in 2022-2023 to 49% this year (April to October).
C-Section Audit
The state health department is now planning to audit all C-section deliveries conducted in Karnataka.
Harsh Gupta, Principal Secretary (Health and Family Welfare Department) said Hindu On Tuesday, “We are unable to analyze this trend in Tumakuru and it needs to be studied in detail. A team of experts from the Department of Health and Family Welfare and Medical Education apart from the private sector to conduct the audit. Tumkuru will be formed and given priority.”
Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao on Monday highlighted the rising trend of C-section deliveries in the state in the Legislative Council and said, “Private hospitals are increasing caesarean deliveries because they earn more from C-sections and it can be done easily. This should be prevented from the point of view of mother and child health.” is necessary.”
Contributing factors
Savita C, medical superintendent of the state-run Vanivilas Hospital, attributed the rising trend to several factors, including delayed abortions, infertility problems and women’s low tolerance for labor pain.
“Vaginal delivery is not advised in high-risk pregnancies, but most women choose to go for a C-section because of the low risk. Moreover, the standard of one child, Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD) and infertility problems due to obesity and IVF pregnancies also contribute to the increased trend of C-section delivery. It is a matter of concern that obesity is increasing even in urban settlements,’ said Dr. Savita.
Midwifery-led unit
The doctor said the government is setting up midwifery-led care units in district hospitals to prepare women (who are not high-risk) mentally and physically for vaginal delivery. “We have been running a midwifery-led unit at Vani Vilas since January 2023. More than 100 deliveries are done here every month through this unit,” she added.
published – December 18, 2024 at 12:08 pm IST