The Maharashtra government has introduced mandatory audits of every Caesarean-section delivery in public hospitals following concerns over the increasing number of surgical births. The new directive aims to ensure that C-sections are performed when medically necessary and that doctors properly document the reasons behind each procedure.
The decision follows health data showing a significant proportion of deliveries taking place through surgery in both government and private hospitals.
37% of Government Hospital Deliveries Are C-Sections
According to Health Management Information System data , Caesarean deliveries accounted for 37% of institutional births in government hospitals and 59% in private hospitals.
Government hospitals recorded 1,18,036 C-section deliveries out of 3,18,683 births. Private hospitals reported 1,89,152 Caesarean deliveries out of 3,23,245 births.
These figures have raised concerns about the growing use of surgical delivery across the state.
Every Caesarean Delivery Will Be Reviewed
Under the new system, every Caesarean procedure, including first-time and repeat surgeries, will undergo an audit.
Doctors performing the operation must complete an audit form on the same day and record the medical reasons for choosing a surgical delivery.
Hospitals will submit monthly reports to district authorities by the fifth of each month. District officials will then forward consolidated reports to state authorities by the tenth.
Mumbai Records a High Share of Surgical Births
The data also highlights differences across major cities in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
- Mumbai recorded a 51% C-section rate.
- Navi Mumbai reported 43%.
- Thane recorded 39%.
The state has also encouraged private medical practitioners to adopt similar monitoring practices.
Why the Decision Matters
A Caesarean section is an important medical procedure when complications make it necessary for the safety of the mother or baby. However, unnecessary surgery can expose mothers to avoidable medical risks and longer recovery periods.
The new monitoring system is intended to improve transparency, strengthen medical accountability and encourage appropriate decisions during childbirth.
The impact of the policy will become clearer as hospitals begin submitting their monthly audit reports.
