Bangladesh is witnessing a dramatic increase in unnecessary caesarean deliveries, raising alarm not merely as a medical concern but as a mounting national health crisis. Recent research conducted at Ashulia Women and Children’s Hospital reveals that approximately 1.7 million children were delivered via caesarean last year, despite lacking any medical indication.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), caesarean sections should be medically necessary in only around 21% of births. However, in Bangladesh, the current rate has surged to nearly 50%. The situation is particularly acute in private healthcare facilities, where nearly eight out of every ten births are performed surgically.
| Type of Delivery | WHO Recommended Rate | Current Rate in Bangladesh | Rate in Private Hospitals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caesarean Section | 21% | ~50% | ~90% |
| Normal Vaginal Birth | 79% | ~50% | ~10% |
Experts attribute this worrying trend to multiple factors. Physicians often operate under intense time pressures, while private clinic and hospital owners pursue financial gain. Furthermore, expectant mothers are frequently influenced by fear and misinformation. Despite the longer and more complex nature of normal delivery, many healthcare providers present caesareans as a faster, more convenient solution. Normal births are sometimes portrayed as risky and painful, pressuring families into opting for surgery.
The long-term consequences of unnecessary caesareans are severe. Mothers face heightened health risks, including infections and complications in future pregnancies, while newborns may experience reduced immune resilience. Economically, the practice imposes a substantial burden, costing the country over 50 billion Bangladeshi Taka annually and creating significant strain for middle- and low-income families.
Specialists emphasise that raising awareness alone is insufficient. Immediate administrative interventions are essential. Strengthening government oversight of private hospitals and clinics, expanding the number of skilled midwives, and increasing opportunities for normal delivery in public hospitals must become national priorities.
If current trends persist, projections suggest that by 2030, 90% of hospital births may be commercially driven rather than medically necessary, posing a serious threat to maternal and child health. Breaking this commercial cycle and prioritising genuine maternal welfare has become a matter of urgent national concern.