BELAGAVI: With Karnataka registering an average of 46% of all childbirths through Caesarean sections, the state govt is set to roll out a targeted programme next month for staff at govt hospitals to reduce increased reliance on surgical deliveries.
The initiative, which will focus on training healthcare providers and creating awareness, comes in response to the growing disparity between delivery practices in govt and private hospitals.
"While the percentage of Caesarean deliveries in govt hospitals is 36%, it stands at 61% in private hospitals. What is shocking is that in some private hospitals, it exceeds 90%," health and family welfare minister Dinesh Gundu Rao told the legislative council on Monday.
"During 2021-22, Karnataka reported 32% Caesarean deliveries, which increased to 38% in 2022-23, and to 46% in 2023-24," he said.
Midwifery units in 3 dist hosps next year Rao explained that many expectant mothers opt for surgical births for fear of natural delivery. "The medical fraternity must work on preparing women mentally and physically for normal deliveries."
As part of the new state initiative, the govt has already trained nursing superintendents under an 18-month midwifery project at Vani Vilas Hospital and Fernandez Foundation. These specialists are now training healthcare providers at hospitals in Bengaluru, Mysuru, and Belagavi.
By July 2025, Midwifery-led Care Units will be operational in Hassan, Mandya, and Mysuru district hospitals. Moreover, the minister said 25 nurses from Bengaluru are undergoing Nurse Practitioner Midwifery training, which will conclude by Dec 2025. "Once their training is complete, MLCU units will be set up in district hospitals in Kolar, Bengaluru, Davanagere, and Tumakuru," Rao added.
Regular audits of C-section delivery practices at district and taluk hospitals are also being done to regulate the rates effectively.
Preventing foeticideAlongside efforts to improve maternal health, the state govt is also intensifying its crackdown on foeticide. Since 2023-24, eight cases have been registered, and 46 individuals arrested. "Increased inspection of scanning centres and hospitals has helped detect a large number of cases," Rao said.
To prevent female foeticide, the govt has established committees under the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act at the state and district levels. All diagnostic centres are now required to register through the 'Balika' software, ensuring compliance.
Since 2018, Karnataka registered 136 cases against diagnostic centres, owners, and doctors for violations under the PCPNDT Act. "Seventy-four persons have been convicted and fined, while 65 cases are still pending in court," the minister said.
To incentivise whistle-blowers, the reward for informers has been increased to Rs 1 lakh from Rs 50,000. "This reward encourages reporting of scanning centres, hospitals, doctors, or brokers involved in illegal activities," Rao explained.
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