Health

Related Articles

Sectors

C-Section Rate: Public vs. Private Hospitals in Kerala


Observations on C-Section Rate: Public vs. Private Hospitals in Kerala (2014–2025)

The overall C-section rate in Kerala has remained consistently high, rising gradually from 41% in 2014–15 to 45% in 2024–25.

Public and private hospitals show very similar trends, with private institutions maintaining slightly higher rates in most years.

From 2020–21 onwards, public hospitals have nearly matched private hospitals in C-section rates, both standing at around 43–45%.

The steady increase indicates a growing medical preference or necessity for surgical deliveries across the state’s healthcare system.

This trend highlights a shift in childbirth practices in Kerala, suggesting factors such as delayed motherhood, health risks, and institutional delivery norms as possible drivers.