AP Plans Action on Hospitals Pressing for C-section Deliveries

Vijayawada: The state health authorities are awaiting a reply from private hospitals to the Show Cause notices served on them over their undue resort to C-section deliveries.

Nearly 103 private hospitals had been served with the notices and they are to send their replies by Thursday evening. The government intends to take action on those flouting the norms.

Notably, based on a direction from the Centre, the state health authorities had done a survey on the hospitals carrying out deliveries. It was noticed that several hospitals were taking up C-section deliveries even when normal delivery was possible.

The Aarogyasri hospitals charge Rs.11,000 for C-section delivery while private hospitals are collecting upwards of Rs.40,000.

Health authorities say that neary 22 per cent of the deliveries carried out in C-section could have been possible by normal means. Hence, notices were served on the private hospitals by citing the norms of Andhra Pradesh Private Medical Care Establishments Act.

The government noticed that some hospitals were resorting to the unethical practice of C-section. A good number of government doctors also resorting to such a practice during the evening and night time after their work hours, while doing private practice. Some of them are taking advantage of the non-availability of documentation like foetal stress and other conditions to prefer C-section delivery, official sources said.

Additional director, maternal health, Dr Anil Kumar said, “We have sent show cause notices to 103 private hospitals. Once we get the replies, we will initiate necessary action as per norms.”