Private hospitals in Jammu & Kashmir perform C‑sections for more than nine out of ten births, the highest proportion in the country. This article analyses NFHS‑6 data, expert commentary and WHO guidelines to uncover the drivers behind the surge and its potential health ramifications.

Key Takeaways

  • Jammu & Kashmir’s private sector records a 90%+ C‑section rate, far above the national private average.
  • High‑risk pregnancies, older maternal age, ART use and profit‑driven private care fuel the rise.
  • Unchecked surgical births risk maternal‑infant health; informed consent and stricter oversight are essential.

The latest National Family Health Survey‑6 (NFHS‑6, 2023‑24) reveals that more than nine out of ten babies born in private hospitals of Jammu & Kashmir are delivered by Caesarean section, the steepest figure across India. West Bengal (87.7%) and Telangana (83.9%) follow, while the private‑sector national average stands at 54.1%.

Statistical Landscape

Across the country, C‑section deliveries have climbed to 27.2% of all births, up from 21.5% in NFHS‑5, indicating a sustained upward trend. Public hospitals show a modest rise—from 14.3% to 16.9%—whereas private facilities jumped from 47.4% to 54.1%. The widening gap raises alarms about possible over‑use of surgical births in profit‑oriented settings.

Expert Insights

Dr. Sami Jan, faculty of Gynecology & Obstetrics at SKIMS Medical College, explains, “The tertiary referral system receives a disproportionate share of high‑risk pregnancies from district hospitals, which naturally inflates the need for Caesareans. Delayed referrals, advanced diagnostic tools, geographic‑weather challenges, rising maternal age, and infertility treatments all contribute.” He adds that scheduled deliveries, convenience and financial incentives in private hospitals further accelerate the numbers.

Integrative psychiatrist Dr. Nikhil Gupta notes, “Fear of labour pain, concerns about the baby’s safety and cultural beliefs often push families toward C‑sections. Without balanced counselling and psychological support, informed consent remains superficial, increasing the risk of unnecessary surgery.”

Global Benchmarks and Health Risks

The World Health Organization advises that population‑level C‑section rates above roughly 10% do not yield additional reductions in maternal or neonatal mortality. Rates nearing 90% therefore suggest over‑medicalisation, exposing mothers to higher infection risk, future pregnancy complications, and newborns to altered gut microbiota with uncertain long‑term effects.

Policy Recommendations

Bridging the private‑public divide requires robust regulatory frameworks. Experts recommend mandating comprehensive informed‑consent protocols that equally present vaginal and surgical options, coupled with mandatory psychological counselling throughout pregnancy. Reducing litigation fear for obstetricians, improving timely referrals from peripheral centers, and monitoring assisted reproductive technologies can also temper the surge.