A study published by IIT Madras shows that in Tamil Nadu, access to caesarean section (C-section), an essential medical intervention that can save lives when vaginal deliveries are risky, is more equitable compared to India’s average. However, C-section rates among the women of Tamil Nadu are also alarmingly high, especially in private hospitals, pointing to the need for corrective action, the study points out. The report also compares Tamil Nadu’s figures with those of Chhattisgarh to show how in certain States, C-sections are more prevalent among richer sections of society, while the poor lack access to it.
A C-section delivery refers to a surgical procedure in which an incision is made in the woman’s abdomen to deliver one or more infants. According to the World Health Organization, access to hospitals that are equipped to perform such procedures is crucial to ensure the safety and well-being of both the mother and child in the event of medical necessity. Maternal and neonatal mortality rates decline in countries which have C-section rates of about 10%, the WHO concludes. However, the agency also warns that if C-section rates go beyond 10%, it will not necessarily reduce maternal mortality. In 2021, global C-section rates exceeded 20%. They are projected to rise to 30% by 2030.
Chart 1 | The chart shows the change in the share of births delivered by C-sections in public sector hospitals in India, Tamil Nadu, and Chhattisgarh between 2015-16 and 2019-21.
