Karnataka Takes Steps to Reduce Unnecessary C-Section Deliveries and Strengthen Healthcare Services

The Karnataka government has announced a new program aimed at addressing the rising rate of C-section deliveries, which now account for 46% of all births in the state. With a special focus on reducing unnecessary cesarean surgeries, this initiative also highlights improvements in maternal healthcare, prevention of foeticide, and tackling fake clinics.

Why Are C-Section Deliveries Increasing?

The Health Minister revealed that cesarean deliveries in Karnataka have grown significantly:

• 35% in 2021-2022
• 38% in 2022-2023
• Currently at 46%

In private hospitals, over 61% of deliveries are cesareans, with some facilities performing 80-90% of births via C-section. The Minister emphasized that these surgeries are often done for convenience or financial gain, but they can pose risks to both the mother and child.

State Initiative to Reduce C-Section Deliveries

To promote natural deliveries, the government has launched several measures:

1. Strengthening Taluk-Level Hospitals: Providing 24/7 maternal services to ensure natural deliveries are prioritized. Limiting unnecessary referrals to district hospitals for cesarean surgeries.
2. Midwifery Program: Nurses are undergoing an 18-month midwifery training program to handle deliveries in government hospitals. Training is being conducted in Bengaluru, Mysuru, and Belagavi, with plans to expand across the state.
3. Maternal and Labour Care Units (MLCUs): By July 2025, MLCUs will be operational in district hospitals in Hassan, Mandya, and Mysuru. Additional centers will open in Bengaluru, Kolar, Davangere, and Tumakuru by December 2025.
4. C-Section Audits: Hospitals are conducting regular audits to determine whether cesarean procedures are necessary. Monthly review meetings at the district level monitor and prevent unnecessary surgeries.

Efforts to Prevent Foeticide

The government is also working to combat foeticide in Karnataka:

• Increased Inspections: Frequent checks of scanning centers and hospitals.
• PCPNDT Act Compliance: Mandatory registration and renewal of scanning centers using the Balika software.
• Legal Action: 136 cases have been registered against violators of the PCPNDT Act. 46 individuals have been arrested, and 74 were fined for illegal activities.

To encourage whistleblowers, the reward for informers providing information on foeticide has been increased from ₹50,000 to ₹1,00,000.

Addressing Fake Medical Clinics

The state is cracking down on fake clinics under the Karnataka Private Medical Establishments Amendment Act.

• Since 2021, 134 fake clinics have been identified in Kolar alone, with 102 shut down.
• Legal action, including FIRs and court trials, has been initiated against violators.

Free and Affordable Cancer Treatment

The Karnataka government is making cancer treatment more accessible:

1. Free Treatment for BPL Families: Under the Ayushman Bharat-Arogya Karnataka scheme, families below the poverty line can access free cancer care at the Kidwai Memorial Institute.
2. Affordable Options for APL Families: Families above the poverty line can also access affordable cancer care through this initiative.
3. Rare Disease Scheme: Costly procedures like robotic surgeries and bone marrow transplants are offered free of charge to BPL families.
4. Expanding Cancer Facilities: Plans are underway to equip 31 district hospitals with advanced cancer treatment facilities.

Impact of These Initiatives

These steps by the Karnataka government aim to:

• Promote natural births and reduce unnecessary cesareans for better maternal and child health.
• Strengthen healthcare infrastructure, especially in rural and taluk-level hospitals.
• Combat foeticide and ensure compliance with laws like the PCPNDT Act.
• Provide free or affordable cancer treatment to make life-saving care accessible to all.

Conclusion

Karnataka’s initiatives reflect a strong commitment to improving maternal health, tackling healthcare fraud, and enhancing access to critical treatments like cancer care. With programs like the midwifery training and strengthened taluk hospitals, the state is taking significant steps to ensure quality healthcare for all its citizens.

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