The recent action taken against three private hospitals in Nirmal district for registering a high number of cesarean deliveries is the first major step initiated by the Telangana Government against unnecessary C-sections.
The number of C-sections performed in the State is one of the highest across India, alarmingly more than 90% in a few districts. Sources said that health centres where a high number of such deliveries are conducted in the last few years have been identified.
The C-sections done by obstetricians and gynaecologists are being audited, and they would be asked for reasons to choose surgeries instead of normal deliveries.
Also, District Collectors along with District Medical and Health Officers are on the task of ‘sensitising’ gynaecologists, both in government and private hospitals, on the need to bring down C-sections, and encourage normal deliveries.
One of the ways of doing it is by taking action against private health facilities performing abnormally high number of C-sections.
“The incentive for C-sections under the government health scheme of ₹11,000, which goes to HCWs, will be brought down to zero, and an incentive of ₹3,000 would be offered for performing a normal delivery,” said a source.
Apart from deliveries, surgeries done by other specialists are also being audited.
