Karnataka's Maternal Health Improves, C-Sections Surge

Karnataka has achieved significant progress in maternal and child health, as indicated by the National Family Health Survey-6 (NFHS-6) for 2023-24. Key improvements include near-universal institutional deliveries at 98.7% and increased skilled birth attendance at 96.6%. Antenatal care coverage has risen, with 82.4% of women receiving care in the first trimester and 84.5% attending at least four check-ups.

Maternal nutrition has also seen substantial gains, with 78.0% of pregnant women consuming iron and folic acid tablets for at least 100 days. Full immunisation coverage for children aged 12-23 months reached 90.2%. Despite these advances, child malnutrition remains a concern, though stunting and underweight percentages have declined.

Conversely, caesarean section deliveries have surged to 45.7% statewide, with urban areas reporting 52.6% and private hospitals at 63.8%. Exclusive breastfeeding rates saw a marginal increase to 61.6%. While chronic undernutrition indicators have improved, acute malnutrition and adequate diet consumption among young children require continued attention.