Jharkhand's C-Section Rate Climbs Amidst Healthcare Shifts

The caesarean section delivery rate in Jharkhand has seen a significant increase, reaching 15.7% in the 2023-24 National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6) data, up from 12.8% in the previous survey. A notable disparity persists between urban and rural areas, with 32.9% of births in cities delivered via C-section compared to 12.7% in villages. This rise is linked to advancements in healthcare infrastructure, enabling earlier identification of high-risk pregnancies.

Improved recruitment of medical professionals has bolstered the state's healthcare system, facilitating timely interventions for expectant mothers. Government initiatives offering free C-section procedures in public facilities also play a role. In urban settings, career aspirations and a preference for smaller families contribute to couples opting for scheduled deliveries, thereby increasing C-section rates. Furthermore, private healthcare facilities show a rise in surgical deliveries, from 46.7% to 54.1%, with financial incentives potentially influencing these decisions.