Kerala is witnessing an alarming increase in Cesarean deliveries, with rates surpassing 50% in five districts—Alappuzha, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Idukki, and Ernakulam. Alappuzha leads with a staggering 56%, while Kasaragod records the lowest at 34%. The state average stands at 44%, as per a National Health Mission (NHM) report based on data from April to November 2024.
Experts attribute this trend to a combination of factors, including healthcare providers’ cautious approach to minimize risks during delivery. Many doctors reportedly opt for Cesarean sections to avoid potential complications that could lead to legal and professional repercussions. Additionally, families often prefer C-sections, perceiving them as safer than natural childbirth.
In districts like Alappuzha, where only 11% of pregnancies fall into the high-risk category, the high rate of Cesarean deliveries raises questions about over-intervention. A recent controversy at the Women and Child Hospital in Kadappuram, involving vacuum-assisted deliveries causing impaired arm movement in newborns, has further fueled concerns.
Taluk hospitals are also criticized for their reluctance to manage high-risk pregnancies, often referring such cases to medical colleges, thereby increasing the likelihood of C-sections. Healthcare experts urge the promotion of natural childbirth and better training for managing high-risk cases to curb this growing trend.
District-wise Cesarean rates reveal a pressing need for balanced healthcare policies that prioritize maternal and neonatal well-being without unnecessary surgical interventions.
