Jammu Kashmir’s caesarean delivery (CD) rate stands at 41%, significantly higher than the national average of 21.5 per cent, as per data from the National Family Health Survey-5 (2019–2021), analyzed by The Lancet Journal.
The report highlights disparities in CD rates across India, with J&K showing patterns closer to southern states like Telangana and Tamil Nadu, where over-medicalization and reliance on private healthcare are major contributors.
Dr. Masuma Rizvi, HOD of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at LD Hospital, attributes the rising trend in J&K to late pregnancies, often in women over 35.
Conditions like hypertension and diabetes, coupled with inadequate round-the-clock maternity services, leave many opting for cesareans over riskier vaginal deliveries.
“The global CD rate has also risen, ranging from 20% in Sub-Saharan Africa to 70% in countries like Ireland and the US,” Dr. Rizvi stated, adding that younger generations are increasingly unwilling to endure the pain of labor, further driving cesarean rates.
The reliance on private healthcare in J&K exacerbates the issue. Dr. Rizvi noted that private nursing homes lack manpower and infrastructure, pushing many women toward cesareans.
The Lancet report also highlighted economic disparities, with wealthier groups accessing CDs more frequently than poorer populations.
Late marriages, a growing trend in the region, are a critical factor. Dr. Farhat Jabeen, former HOD of Gynaecology at GMC Srinagar, pointed out that women marrying in their late 30s or 40s face higher risks during pregnancy. “Younger women are more likely to have normal deliveries. Late marriages and infertility issues often lead to cesareans,” she explained.
Both Dr. Rizvi and Dr. Jabeen emphasized the need for awareness campaigns to promote safe vaginal deliveries and regulate private healthcare practices.
They underscored that cesareans, though life-saving in emergencies, come with risks and should not be a default choice.
“Vaginal delivery remains the safest method for most women,” Dr. Jabeen said. “The medical fraternity, social media, and community leaders must educate the public on the long-term implications of overusing cesareans.”
The higher-than-average cesarean rate in Jammu Kashmir reflects broader social, medical, and economic challenges that require urgent attention to ensure equitable access to maternal healthcare.