The High Court yesterday directed the government to take steps to make it compulsory for all hospitals and clinics to follow the relevant guidelines for cesarean sections to prevent unnecessary operations.

It also directed the government to widely circulate the guidelines within six months.

The HC bench of Justice Naima Haider and Justice Kazi Zinat Hoque delivered the verdict after holding the hearing on a petition filed by Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (BLAST) in 2019.

The court said the guideline formulated by the health ministry in November 2019 under the title "Bangladesh National Guidelines and Technical Standards and Operating Procedure for Promotion of Normal Vaginal Delivery (NVD), Prevention of Unnecessary Cesarean Section, Creating Awareness about Necessity and Justification of Cesarean Section" has become a part of its judgement.

Full text of the verdict is yet to be released.

The guidelines recommended to develop and launch a campaign to raise awareness on harmful effects of unnecessary C-section and importance of necessary C-section.

It suggested to enhance NVD skills and competencies of delivery care practitioners and to review existing law, rules, and procedures to identify weaknesses and propose modification to ensure rights of patients, care seekers, and health care providers.

It said posting of certified midwives and maintaining a functional standard labour room should be made mandatory for private hospitals/clinics.

Petitioner's lawyer Barrister Rashna Imam said the authorities concerned of health ministry, directorate of health services, BMDC, hospitals, and doctors are bound to follow the guideline.