NFHS Report Raises Alarm Over Rising C-Section Deliveries in India; Telangana Records Highest Rate at 62.2%

New Delhi/Hyderabad: The latest National Family Health Survey (NFHS) report has raised concerns over the sharp increase in Caesarean Section (C-Section) deliveries across India. According to the report, the national average of C-section births has reached 27.2 per cent, significantly higher than the 10-15 per cent limit recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). Telangana has recorded the highest C-section delivery rate in the country at 62.2 per cent, followed by Andhra Pradesh at 52.2 per cent.

Health experts have warned that the growing trend, particularly in private hospitals, could pose long-term health risks to both mothers and children.

NFHS Report Highlights Rising C-Section Deliveries in India

The National Family Health Survey (NFHS) report revealed that the number of Caesarean deliveries in India has been increasing steadily every year.

While C-section surgery is considered a life-saving procedure during medical emergencies affecting the mother or child, the report noted that it is increasingly becoming a routine method of delivery across the country.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the ideal C-section rate in any region should remain between 10 and 15 per cent.

However, India’s average C-section rate has reached 27.2 per cent.

Telangana Records Highest C-Section Rate in India

The NFHS report found that Telangana has the highest proportion of Caesarean deliveries in the country.

According to the data:

• Telangana recorded a C-section rate of 62.2 per cent.
• This means that nearly six out of every 10 babies born in the state are delivered through surgery.
• Andhra Pradesh ranked second with a C-section rate of 52.2 per cent.
• Nagaland recorded the lowest rate at 13.2 per cent.

The findings indicate a particularly high prevalence of surgical deliveries in the Telugu states.

Private Hospitals Show Highest C-Section Rates

The report highlighted a significant difference between private and government healthcare facilities.

In Telangana:

• 83.9 per cent of deliveries in private hospitals were conducted through Caesarean sections.
• The national average for private hospitals stood at 54.1 per cent.
• Government hospitals in Telangana recorded a C-section rate of 48.1 per cent.
• The national average for government hospitals was 16.9 per cent.

The report described the situation in private healthcare institutions as particularly alarming when compared to government hospitals.

Reasons Behind Increasing C-Section Deliveries

According to the report and expert observations, several factors are contributing to the rise in Caesarean births.

These include:

• Intolerance to labour pain
• Planning deliveries for specific dates or times
• Increasing maternal age
• Obesity and pregnancy-related health factors
• Commercial trends in hospitals

Experts noted that these factors have contributed to the growing preference for surgical deliveries.

Health Experts Warn of Long-Term Risks

Medical experts have cautioned that unnecessary Caesarean sections can lead to long-term health complications.

Possible risks highlighted include:

Risks for Mothers

• Infections
• Excessive bleeding
• Other long-term health complications

Risks for Infants

• Reduced immunity
• Other potential health concerns

Experts have called for stricter regulations and monitoring at the national level to ensure that C-sections are performed only when medically necessary.

Conclusion

The latest NFHS report has raised concerns over the increasing number of C-section deliveries in India, with the national average reaching 27.2 per cent, well above the WHO-recommended range of 10-15 per cent. Telangana recorded the highest C-section rate in the country at 62.2 per cent, while Andhra Pradesh stood at 52.2 per cent. The report also found extremely high rates in private hospitals, particularly in Telangana, where 83.9 per cent of deliveries are performed through Caesarean sections. Health experts have warned that unnecessary C-sections could create long-term health risks for both mothers and children and have urged stricter regulation of delivery practices.

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