Display data on C-Sections, govt directs pvt hospitals

The government has directed private hospitals empanelled under the Central Government Health Services to “prominently” display data of C-Section surgeries and normal deliveries. It has also asked the state governments to conduct a “periodical prescription audit” of the health facilities, specifically on this issue.

This comes days after Women and Child Development Minister Maneka Gandhi urged Health Minister J P Nadda to take steps to check the “alarming trend” of the C-Section surgeries in the country.

In a letter to Nadda in February, Maneka expressed “deep concern” over the increasing trend of hospitals “forcing” expecting mothers to undergo C-Sections. She suggested making a public disclosure of the information on C-Sections mandatory for all hospitals.

“In response to her letter, the Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare has stated that the concerns expressed are well founded and the health ministry is taking a series of measures to control this increasing trend,” the Centre stated in a press communique.

The Federation of Obstetric and Gynecological Societies of India has also been sounded off about the harmful effects of unwarranted C-Sections, the ministry added.