The rising rates of caesarean section (C-section) deliveries across Asia have become a significant public health concern. While C-sections are essential for certain medical conditions, their overuse, especially in private healthcare settings, can lead to unnecessary medical risks and financial burdens. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that C-section rates should not exceed 10–15% of total deliveries, as rates higher than this threshold do not contribute to reductions in maternal and neonatal mortality. In India, the national C-section rate has escalated from 8.5% in 2005 to 21.5% in 2021, surpassing the WHO's recommended threshold.
Private hospitals report rates nearing 50%, compared to approximately 15% in public institutions. This disparity underscores the need for stringent regulations in private healthcare to ensure medically justified C-sections. Factors contributing…