Karnataka's C-section Rate Surges: 47% Deliveries via Surgery in 2024-25
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Karnataka's public health system has recorded a significant increase in caesarean section deliveries, with nearly half of the 8.57 lakh births in 2024-25 taking place through surgery. According to data submitted to the legislative council, 4.55 lakh normal deliveries were reported, while 4.01 lakh were via C-section, resulting in a C-section rate of 46.9%. The state government has clarified its post-delivery care protocols, ensuring a minimum of 3 days of care for natural deliveries and 7 days for C-sections. In addition, the government has detailed its guidelines for providing nutritious food during delivery. Regarding epidural-assisted labour, the government permits the procedure but only when staffing and clinical assessments allow. Currently, the service is limited to select centres, including Vani Vilas Hospital, where it is provided according to demand and eligibility. The government has outlined the conditions required for epidural use, including the mother's consent, availability of trained anaesthesia staff, and readiness to treat complications. However, it has ruled out expanding the service through a statewide mandate, stating that there is no proposal to formulate a separate policy for providing epidural injections for pain relief in natural deliveries. Karnataka has introduced measures to encourage normal deliveries, but the high C-section rate remains a concern. The government will need to address this issue to align with international recommendations and improve maternal healthcare outcomes.
