Odisha govt flags high C-section rates in private hospitals, urges mothers to opt for govt facilities

A significant disparity between normal and caesarean deliveries in private and government hospitals has come to light, prompting the Health Department to urge expectant mothers to opt for government healthcare facilities for safer, natural childbirth. 

Presenting these details in a written reply during the Assembly session on Monday, Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling highlighted a concerning trend of rising caesarean sections in private hospitals across the state.

According to official data, a total of 30,08,383 deliveries were recorded in Odisha over the past five years. Government hospitals accounted for the majority of these cases, registering more than 23,69,000 deliveries, a reflection of their continued reliance by the general public. 

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What stands out is the proportion of normal births: government hospitals recorded 19,59,918 normal deliveries, significantly higher than the figures recorded in private healthcare institutions. Meanwhile, 4,09,718 caesarean deliveries took place in government hospitals during the same period.

The situation in private hospitals paints a contrasting picture. Despite handling fewer overall childbirth cases, private hospitals registered a disproportionately high number of caesarean procedures. While only 1,48,242 normal deliveries were reported, the number of caesarean deliveries stood at an alarming 4,90,505, more than triple the normal births.

The government has emphasised that normal delivery should be encouraged whenever medically possible, and that government hospitals remain better aligned with this principle.

With the growing concern around unjustified surgical deliveries, health authorities are urging families to make informed decisions and rely on government hospitals for safer, natural, and more affordable maternal care.