C-section deliveries rise to 29% in Gujarat, NFHS-6 data shows

The proportion of babies born through Caesarean section (C-section) deliveries in Gujarat has increased to 29%, according to data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6), highlighting a significant rise compared to the previous survey.

The latest survey data shows that 29% of births in the state are now taking place through C-section deliveries, up from 21% recorded in the previous round of the survey. This marks an increase of eight percentage points over a relatively short period.

The trend is more pronounced in urban areas, where 40.6% of births are being conducted through Caesarean deliveries. In comparison, the figure stands at 21.7% in rural Gujarat.

The survey also points to a substantial difference between private and government healthcare facilities. In urban private hospitals, 49.4% of deliveries are conducted through C-sections, while the figure is 32% in rural private hospitals. Overall, 39.8% of births in private hospitals across the state are carried out through Caesarean procedures.

Government hospitals report comparatively lower rates. According to the survey, 24.4% of deliveries in urban government hospitals and 11.7% in rural government hospitals are conducted through C-sections. Overall, the rate of Caesarean deliveries in government healthcare facilities stands at 15.6%.

The data also indicates an increase in Caesarean deliveries in government hospitals compared to previous years. The findings come amid ongoing discussions in the healthcare sector regarding maternal health, delivery practices and access to obstetric care across urban and rural regions.

C-section delivery rates in Gujarat

Overall

• Urban: 40.6%
• Rural: 21.7%
• State average: 29%

Private hospitals

• Urban: 49.4%
• Rural: 32%
• Overall: 39.8%

Government hospitals

• Urban: 24.4%
• Rural: 11.7%
• Overall: 15.6%