Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir’s caesarean delivery (CD) rate is 41%, well above the India’s average of 21.5%, according to the Lancet Journal’s analysis of the National Family Health Survey-5 (2019–2021).
The report highlights wide variations in CD rates across India, with states like Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh having the highest rates, while Nagaland, Meghalaya, and Bihar have the lowest.
The elevated CD rate in Jammu and Kashmir is attributed to over-medicalisation, especially in private healthcare settings. While wealth disparities exist, they are less significant compared to states like Assam, where inequality is more pronounced. The region’s figures align more with southern states, with private facilities playing a major role in the higher rates.
Doctors and medical experts have raised concerns over the high caesarean delivery rate in Jammu and Kashmir, stating that it reflects patterns of over-medicalisation, particularly in private healthcare settings.
Experts warn that this trend may be driven by unnecessary procedures, which could lead to health risks for both mothers and babies. They stress the importance of ensuring that caesarean sections are performed only when medically necessary.
