It is true that some private hospitals perform unnecessary cesarean deliveries for higher profits, but blaming all of them would not be fair. The solution requires awareness among women, ethical responsibility among doctors, and strict government regulations. Some important questions need to be answered collectively. Has the rise in C-sections been based on women’s medical needs, or has it become a means of profit for hospitals? Are doctors performing unnecessary cesareans for their own convenience? Are women themselves preferring C-sections to avoid labor pain? Are women being influenced into choosing a cesarean without being given proper information about their options? Cesarean deliveries are not inherently wrong, but when they are performed for commercial gains or without valid medical reasons, they become a matter of concern. Proper awareness and responsibility should guide their use.
- Priyanka Saurabh
Do you know that cesarean delivery, or C-section, is one of the most commonly performed surgeries worldwide? The debate between cesarean section versus normal delivery remains a widely discussed topic, especially when its usage increases unnecessarily. Some consider it a “business model,” while others see it as a significant achievement of medical science. A C-section is a surgical procedure performed when normal (vaginal) delivery is not possible or poses a risk to the health of the mother and baby. However, in recent times, many hospitals, especially private ones, have been performing it beyond medical necessity, viewing it as a quick and convenient solution. A cesarean section, in itself, is not a bad practice, but when done for financial gains or without strong medical justification, it becomes a serious issue. Proper awareness and responsibility should dictate its usage. In the past few years, the rate of C-sections has rapidly increased in India and many other countries.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cesarean deliveries are necessary in only 10-15% of cases, but in many countries, the rate has crossed 50% or even higher. In India, private hospitals report cesarean rates as high as 50-80%. A report by NITI Aayog revealed that the cesarean delivery rate in private hospitals in India is between 40-50%, whereas in government hospitals, it remains around 20-25%. Health insurance schemes and maternal-child safety programs sometimes lead to unnecessary surgeries, as hospitals benefit financially from these procedures. Such cases include C-sections, hernia, gallbladder removal, and appendix surgeries. This is unfortunate, as pregnant women are the most exploited in this scenario. The cost of a C-section is 2-5 times higher than that of a normal delivery, resulting in increased profits for hospitals. A normal delivery can take several hours, while a C-section is a planned and quicker procedure, allowing hospitals and doctors to perform multiple deliveries in a short span. Some doctors in private hospitals prefer scheduling deliveries at their convenience. Some women have an extreme fear of labor pain, leading them to opt for cesareans voluntarily. In many cases, patients are frightened into believing that their baby is at risk, coercing them into choosing a C-section.
Cesarean deliveries are necessary in certain situations, such as when the baby is in an incorrect position, like breech presentation. If complications arise during delivery, such as placenta previa or umbilical cord entanglement. When the mother has serious health conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease. If the baby experiences oxygen deprivation, requiring an immediate delivery. If the mother has had a previous C-section, making vaginal birth risky. However, performing C-sections solely for profit without valid medical reasons is unethical. Many private hospitals prefer cesareans because they are faster and more expensive. Due to fear and lack of awareness, many women choose cesarean delivery to avoid pain, even though normal delivery is generally more beneficial. Women should be educated about this issue so they can prioritize normal delivery whenever possible. Doctors should act responsibly and perform C-sections only when medically necessary. Natural methods, such as practicing yoga and maintaining a proper diet during pregnancy, should be encouraged to facilitate normal deliveries.
Along with this, the government must strictly enforce regulations to reduce unnecessary C-sections. Normal delivery should be prioritized unless medical conditions require a cesarean. Pregnant women should engage in yoga, proper nutrition, and exercise to increase the chances of normal delivery. Hospitals should make their cesarean and normal delivery rates publicly available. Women should seek second opinions if recommended for a C-section. The government must establish strict regulations to prevent unnecessary C-sections in private hospitals. Expectant mothers should receive proper information during pregnancy to understand medical decisions and ask relevant questions. Hospitals should be incentivized to promote normal deliveries.
To address the rising number of C-sections, a district in Telangana has produced a three-minute short film titled “Cesarean La Ku Katheredham” (Let’s Reduce Cesarean Deliveries). Many women opt for cesarean deliveries to avoid labor pain, which is a misguided choice. Cesarean delivery is only justified when essential for the safety of the mother and baby. Unnecessary surgeries should be avoided as they pose greater physical and psychological challenges for mothers.
