Increasing C-sections in AP worries Naidu

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has expressed concern over the burgeoning number of caesarean births that were taking place in private hospitals, pointing out that the state has one of the highest percentages of C-sections in the country at 56.62 per cent. About 90 per cent of the C-sections take place in private facilities in the state.

Slamming “greedy” doctors for pressurising their patients to opt for caesarean births, he warned that action would be taken against the private hospitals if they continue this unscrupulous practice.

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The Chief Minister expressed concern over unnecessary surgeries and pointed out that natural childbirth was better for both the child and mother. “This is a dangerous trend. Instead of practising safe delivery, they are encouraging caesareans for money,” said the Chief Minister. He pointed out that 4.2 per cent of the funds under the state’s health scheme went for C-sections.

Naidu directed Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav to adopt awareness programmes to encourage natural childbirths. He also said monthly reviews should be conducted on the percentage of caesarean sections performed in hospitals, and a report should be submitted to the government. Currently, 98 per cent of the deliveries taking place in the state are institutional ones. Around 42 per cent of the births take place in government hospitals, and the rest in private ones.

AP’s figures are concerning since it was four times more than the 15 per cent recommended by the WHO. It was 42 per cent in 2019-21, according to the National Family Health Survey, but increased to more than 56 per cent in 2024-25.

Neighbouring Telangana has the highest percentage of C-Sections at 60.7 per cent, far more than the national percentage of 21.5. In fact, all the Southern states have a high number of C-sections.