Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao announced that the state government will introduce a new program next month to tackle the alarming rise in Cesarean (C-section) deliveries. Speaking at the Legislative Council session in Belagavi's Suvarna Soudha, Rao expressed concern over the significant increase in C-section rates, particularly in private hospitals, attributing the trend to financial incentives and convenience.
Highlighting the figures, Rao revealed that the overall C-section rate in Karnataka has surged from 35% in 2021-22 to 46% currently, with private hospitals accounting for a staggering 61%. He emphasized the importance of promoting natural births for the long-term health of both mothers and infants, stressing the need to mentally prepare women for normal deliveries.
Rao also outlined measures to combat female foeticide, revealing that eight cases have been registered since 2023, leading to 46 arrests.
The state has strengthened surveillance of scanning centers and implemented the Balika software for mandatory registrations under the PCPNDT Act.
Additionally, Karnataka increased the reward for whistleblowers reporting foeticide from ₹50,000 to ₹1 lakh, encouraging public participation in eradicating this illegal practice.
In another revelation, Rao disclosed that 134 fake doctors have been apprehended in the Kolar district since 2021. These imposters often cross state borders to evade detection, prompting Rao to call for stricter actions and inter-state cooperation to prevent such malpractices.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister's Office shared data on maternal health, reporting over 3,350 maternal deaths in the past five years. While the numbers have been declining, the highest fatalities were recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic. The release of this data follows recent maternal death controversies in Ballari district, shedding light on the need for continued focus on maternal health improvements.
This comprehensive approach underscores Karnataka's commitment to addressing key healthcare challenges, from reducing unnecessary C-sections to safeguarding maternal health and curbing unethical medical practices.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Josna Lewis/MSM)