C-sections in Karnataka rise; private sector drives spike: NFHS-6
UPSC / SSC current affairs note
Why in news
The National Family Health Survey-6 (2023-24) shows a sharp increase in C-section deliveries in Karnataka, from 31.5% in NFHS-5 to 45.7%. The rise is driven by the private sector, where 63% of births are via C-section, raising concerns about unnecessary surgical interventions and maternal health risks.
Background
The National Family Health Survey (NFHS) is a large-scale, multi-round survey conducted in India. NFHS-5 covered 2019-21, and NFHS-6 covers 2023-24. The World Health Organization recommends a C-section rate of 10-15%.
Key facts
C-section rate in Karnataka rose from 31.5% (NFHS-5) to 45.7% (NFHS-6).
Private sector C-section rate is 63%, while public sector is 34%.
Institutional deliveries in public facilities declined from 64.8% to 58.1%.
Rural areas: 68.4% deliveries in public facilities; urban areas: only 45%.
A pilot study in Tumakuru (2025) found many elective C-sections due to perceived safety and convenience, not medical necessity.
C-sections contribute to maternal mortality and risks like sepsis for mothers and oxygen deprivation for newborns.
Government plans to add information box in consent forms about benefits of natural delivery and promote non-invasive pain management.
Public health experts call for standardized medical guidelines for C-sections and hysterectomies across hospitals.
Prelims pointers
- NFHS-6 (2023-24) vs NFHS-5 (2019-21)
- World Health Organization (WHO) recommended C-section rate: 10-15%
- Kerala has high C-section rates; Karnataka now also high
- Tumakuru pilot study (2025)
- Institutional delivery: delivery in a health facility
Mains angles
- GS2: Health - maternal mortality, healthcare divide between public and private sectors
- GS2: Government policies - interventions to reduce unnecessary C-sections
- GS2: Social issues - rural-urban disparities in healthcare access