Srinagar, Feb 2: The normal delivery is no longer normal in private hospitals In Jammu and Kashmir.
Compared to 10 percent recommended by the World Health Organization, the number of babies born by caesarean section is whopping 82.1 per cent in private hospitals of Jammu and Kashmir, according to the reply to a question in Parliament on Tuesday.

Responding to a question from parliamentarian K.C. Ramamurthy whether Health and Family Welfare ministry has observed that ‘normal delivery’ in private hospitals is no longer ‘normal’, MoS Ashwini Kumar Choube said Percentage of births by cesarean section in private health facilities has increased
from 27.7 in National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-III to 40.9 in NFHS-IV.

“The latest NFHS V data, available for 22 states in the first phase which includes the states of Telangana, West Bengal and J&K, shows the percentage share of delivery in private hospitals as 81.5, 82.7 and 82.1 respectively,” the minister said in a reply, a copy of which lies with GNS.

To another question by the parliamentarian from Karnataka regarding manner in which the Ministry was planning to persuade the States and private hospitals to go in for cesarean only when it is required, the MoS said technical Resource Group (TRG) has been set up in May 2020, to deliberate on various aspects of optimizing Cesarean section rate.

“An Expert committee has been constituted in December 2020 to examine the state wise findings related to Cesarean section,” Choub, the MoS, Health and Family Welfare, said, adding, “To address quality parameters related to Labour Rooms and maternity Operation Theatres, the Ministry has taken up ‘Laqshya’ imitative which certifies the facilities so as to ensure quality services to the pregnant women.”

WHO says that Caesarean sections can be a lifesaving procedure for mother and baby, but rates beyond 10% of live births are not associated with reductions in maternal and newborn mortality.