Karnataka Health Minister Vows to Address Surge in Cesarean Births

Belagavi (Karnataka), Dec 16 (NationPress) The Karnataka government revealed on Monday that the incidence of cesarean deliveries is on the rise within the state, and a fresh initiative will be introduced by next month to address this concern.

Karnataka's Health Minister, Dinesh Gundu Rao, made this declaration during a session in the Legislative Council held in Belagavi.

Minister Rao's announcement came in reply to a query from Congress Legislative Council member Jagadev Guttedar during the assembly at Suvarna Vidhana Soudha in Belagavi.

“Next month, a new initiative focused on reducing cesarean deliveries is set to be launched in Karnataka,” declared Minister Rao.

The rate of cesarean deliveries in the state has escalated annually, from 35 percent in 2021-2022 to 38 percent in 2022-2023, with the current rate standing at 46 percent.

“In private healthcare facilities, cesarean deliveries make up 61 percent,” noted Minister Rao.

He added, “Private hospitals often prefer cesarean sections due to higher profitability and ease of execution. It is crucial to reverse this trend for the well-being of both mothers and infants. Consequently, we will work to prepare women for normal deliveries, with a new program introducing these efforts,” stated Rao.

Minister Rao also disclosed that since 2023-24, eight cases related to female feticide have been recorded in the state, leading to the arrest of 46 individuals.

Heightened inspections of scanning centers and hospitals have resulted in the discovery of more female feticide incidents.

Successful undercover operations have been carried out to take action against those involved in female feticide.

To combat female feticide, the government has established all required committees under the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act at both the state and district levels.

Since 2018, the Baalika online software system has been in use for the mandatory registration and renewal of all scanning centers, according to Minister Rao.

The registration of all pregnant women is currently ongoing at the state level, with technology employed to oversee birth-gender ratio data at the village level, Rao mentioned.

To date, 136 cases have been filed in court against scanning centers, owners, and doctors for violations of the PC & PNDT Act. Out of these, 74 cases have resulted in fines, while 65 cases remain underway in the courts, as stated by Rao.

“The Karnataka government has increased the rewards for informants who provide information regarding scanning centers, hospitals, doctors, agents, or relatives involved in female feticide. The reward has been elevated from Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh,” emphasized Minister Rao.

“To ensure the effective implementation of the PC and PNDT Act, a state task force led by the Commissioner has been established. Secret operations have been executed in districts such as Bengaluru Rural, Belagavi, Mandya, and Kolar,” asserted Minister Rao.

“Public awareness campaigns are being conducted throughout the state to prevent female feticide and educate the population,” concluded Minister Rao.