C-section rates higher in private hospitals than government

Bhubaneswar reports a significant disparity in the rates of cesarean deliveries between private and government hospitals. Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling shared data showing that cesarean sections (C-sections) in private facilities reached over 81% in 2023-24. In contrast, more than 81% of births in government hospitals were natural deliveries. The figures show that private hospitals logged 1,29,088 deliveries in 2022-23, with 99,998 being C-sections, or about 77.46%. This rate climbed to 81.6% in 2023-24 from 1,40,126 deliveries, totaling 1,13,598 C-sections. Experts attribute this rise to changing attitudes among expectant mothers, who often prefer to avoid the pain of labor. Some critics argue that this trend may represent commercial exploitation by hospitals. In government hospitals, the C-section rate was much lower, at just 17.69% in 2022-23, increasing slightly to 18.17% in 2023-24. Tribal districts, such as Malkangiri and Kandhamal, showed the least number of C-sections, with only 10, 163, and 83, respectively. Senior gynecologist Dr. Saroj Jena noted that many from poorer backgrounds may not fully understand their options or feel pressured to choose C-sections. Cuttack recorded the highest number of C-sections in the state, totaling 10,205, followed by Khurda with 6,628. Some experts, like Dr. GSS Mohapatra, noted that private hospitals do not push for C-sections. However, many young mothers are inclined to seek a painless experience, valuing the cleanliness and attention that private hospitals provide.