Telangana private hospitals record 83.9% C-section rate, NFHS-6 shows surge
HYDERABAD: Telangana continues to report one of the highest Caesarean section (C-section) birth rates in the country, with private hospitals recording a steep rise in surgical deliveries, according to the latest National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6).
The survey shows that 83.9% of births in private hospitals in Telangana are now conducted through C-sections, up from 81.5% in NFHS-5 (2019–21). The state’s overall C-section rate stands at 62.2%, the highest in India, as reported by TOI.
While government hospitals have managed to keep rates relatively lower at 48.1%, private facilities continue to show significantly higher surgical intervention rates, widening the gap between medical necessity and clinical practice.
Telangana ranks among top states
Telangana ranks third nationally in private-sector C-section rates, after Jammu and Kashmir (90%) and West Bengal (87.7%). The figure is also well above the national private-sector average of 54.1%, and neighbouring Andhra Pradesh at 66.2%.
The data highlights a sharp divergence between public and private healthcare systems in childbirth practices across the state.
Systemic factors under scrutiny
Health experts attribute the trend to multiple factors, including higher revenue generation from surgical deliveries, convenience in scheduling births, and counselling practices that may overstate risks associated with normal deliveries.
Cultural influences also play a role, with some families opting for C-sections to align childbirth with astrologically favourable timings.
“High-risk pregnancies, delayed motherhood and infertility treatments have increased the need for some C-sections,” said Dr K Sujatha, senior government gynaecologist.
Concerns over unnecessary procedures
Public health researchers warn that a portion of the surgeries may be medically avoidable. Angel Sudha V, Public Health Researcher at the Institute of Public Health (IPH), Bengaluru, said studies point to institutional practices in private hospitals as a key driver of rising rates.
A PLOS One analysis of NFHS-5 data estimated that 8.4% of deliveries in Telangana involved potentially preventable C-sections without recognised clinical indications, adding to both financial burden and clinical risks.
Government steps and regulation
Authorities have introduced several measures over the years, including C-section audits, withdrawal of the ₹11,000 Aarogyasri incentive for private hospital C-sections, and incentives to promote normal deliveries in government hospitals.
In 2025, Health Minister Damodar Raja Narasimha directed officials to intensify audits and inspections in private hospitals to curb unnecessary surgical deliveries.
Officials said hospitals performing C-sections without valid medical reasons could face action under the Clinical Establishments Act, including licence cancellation.
Call for stronger monitoring
Experts have called for mandatory disclosure of hospital-wise C-section rates, independent audits, and stricter enforcement mechanisms.
They also emphasised the need for improved antenatal counselling, labour support systems, and better communication between doctors and patients to reduce unnecessary surgical interventions.
Reducing avoidable C-sections, they said, is critical not only to lower healthcare costs but also to minimise risks such as infections and complications in future pregnancies.
