The number of caesarean (C-section) deliveries in private hospitals is significantly higher than in government hospitals, as revealed in the Odisha Assembly on Tuesday.
Odisha Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling presented childbirth statistics from the past two years while responding to a query from MLA Tankadhar Tripathy.
Sharp Rise in C-Section Deliveries in Private Hospitals
2022-23: Of 1,29,088 deliveries in private hospitals, 99,998 were C-sections (77.46%).
2023-24: The number rose to 1,40,126 deliveries, with 1,13,598 cesarean births (81.06%).
Comparatively Lower Rates in Government Hospitals
2022-23: Out of 6,00,740 deliveries in government hospitals, 1,83,443 were C-sections (30.53%).
2023-24: Of 5,91,185 deliveries, 1,95,578 were cesarean (33.08%).
The data indicates a growing trend of C-section deliveries, particularly in private hospitals, raising concerns and discussions over maternal healthcare practices and the factors influencing surgical childbirth choices in Odisha.
