A report published in this newspaper yesterday reveals an alarmingly high number of caesarean deliveries performed in private hospitals. The percentage of caesarean births rose to 23 percent last year—up from 9 percent in 2007 despite the fact that this surgical procedure is unnecessary in most cases. 

This is solely profit-driven and hence, unethical. A 
C-section is a life-saving option only in complicated cases and as per recommendations of the World Health Organisation, births through caesarean section should be kept below 15 percent. 

The reasons why caesarean deliveries should be normally avoided unless absolutely necessary are many. Recovery from a C-section takes longer and like other types of major surgery it also carries a high risk of complications such as surgical injury, blood loss, reactions to anaesthesia, wound infection, and most importantly, increased risks through future pregnancies. Babies born through C-section may also miss exclusive breastfeeding, putting their brain development at risk of being stunted.  

Lack of accountability and quality assurance system in clinics and hospitals are partly to blame. A 2012 study found that a lot of private hospitals do not adequately assess patients before performing such risky and expensive procedures. 

We earnestly hope that the national strategy launched recently to ensure quality healthcare service in the country will identify this issue as a priority. Meanwhile, the government has to come up with a way to hold hospitals and clinics accountable for performing such surgeries without sound medical reasons.