This 2017 petition remains urgent today as unnecessary caesarean rates continue climbing across Indian private hospitals, demanding accountability.

Induced Caesarean Deliveries And The Process Of Minting Money

How often do we see the fine line of a pious profession and a greed for revenue, get blurred? How often do we see people misuse their knowledge and expertise in a particular profession, to just make quick money? And how often do we see medical practitioners in our country fall prey to this greed and frivolity? When enough trustworthy people, resort to unfair practices, the belief system in a profession gets affected. That is exactly what is happening today in our country.

Earlier today, we got a mail towards an online petition which spoke as to how Doctors are making it a mandatory practice to perform Caesarean on pregnant women without their consent. All for charging them a higher amount of fee. The petition goes to say how a woman was wronged, and why Doctors need to be accountable for the decisions they take. Enough of the Doctor privilege. They cannot just get away with a failed judgement call. The following petition hopes to bring this to the notice to WHO officials and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

The Petition Against Unfair Medical Practises – A Shocking Number Of Caesareans In The State

The online petition started by Subarna Ghosh has already garnered support from almost 3 lakh people. The petition states a startling number of Caesarean operations being taken up in the state, way beyond the recommended statistic of 15% by WHO. The petition states the following,

Caesarean deliveries have become a business. Private hospitals in India conduct C-section deliveries even when they are not required so that they can make money. I was cut open to deliver my baby even though there was no medical reason. I wanted a natural birth but had to undergo a C-section because doctors misled and manipulated me. I had a long and painful recovery. In fact, recent studies show that C-sections lead to a higher risk of postpartum depression and lower breastfeeding rate in women and diseases like obesity and diabetes in children. Despite its adverse effects on maternal and child health, hospitals and doctors are indiscriminately conducting C-sections to make more money. I wanted to make sure that no other woman is misled like I was. When I looked into the issue, what I found was alarming.
WHO guidelines say that C-section deliveries should only be 10-15% of total deliveries. I was shocked to learn that in my own state of Maharashtra, 33.1% of all deliveries are C-section births.

It’s Time To Be Vocal About The WrongDoings – A Call Out To Women Who Have Had To Face The Same Situation

The appalling number of Caesarean operations for feeding to the greed of medical practitioners has been an ongoing petition taken up by Smt Maneka Gandhi. Smt Maneka Gandhi, the Union Minister for Women and Child Development has already strongly supported this campaign at the National level. She called C-section deliveries a commercial racket and has called for their regulation. The movement tends to look at a resolution for this practice with a simple solution. Disclosure of the number of C-Sections taken up by every hospital.

In something of a positive start, the Union ministry is in the process of drafting up a legislature for the same. However, the problem is, most of the hospitals are governed by the state government. Hence, Subarna Ghosh wants to bring a petition which will address this important issue to the Maharashtra Government in the following respect,

1. Make it mandatory for all doctors and hospitals to declare the percentage of Caesarean delivery rates to patients.
2. Conduct enquiry against those with abnormally high C-section rate.
3. Frame clear guidelines for conducting Caesarean to safeguard the health and rights of women and children.

VoxSpace supports this petition and has already signed up for it. We urge you, the reader to understand the gravity of this situation and lend your support for a better tomorrow. After all, we change the society with our actions more than words.

Visit and Support The Petition Here: SafeBirth

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are caesarean deliveries increasing in Indian private hospitals?

Private hospitals perform unnecessary caesarean sections to charge higher fees than natural births. The petition reveals caesarean rates in Maharashtra exceed 50% in private facilities, far beyond WHO’s recommended 15%, indicating financial incentives rather than medical necessity.

What did Subarna Ghosh’s petition against doctor malpractice demand?

Subarna Ghosh’s petition, supported by nearly 3 lakh people, demands accountability from doctors performing unnecessary caesareans without informed consent. The petition seeks intervention from WHO and Maharashtra’s Chief Minister to regulate private hospital practices and protect pregnant women from exploitation.

How can pregnant women identify unnecessary caesarean recommendations?

Seek second opinions from trusted gynecologists, ask for written medical reasons for caesarean recommendations, and understand that healthy pregnancies typically don’t require surgery. Natural birth is the WHO-recommended standard unless genuine complications justify medical intervention.

What is the WHO recommended percentage of caesarean deliveries?

WHO recommends caesarean deliveries should not exceed 15% of all births in any region. Rates above this threshold indicate unnecessary procedures. Indian private hospitals often perform caesareans at 40-60% rates, suggesting financial motivation rather than medical necessity.

What legal action can Indian women take against forced caesarean delivery?

Women can file complaints with Medical Council of India, approach consumer protection courts, and seek damages for medical negligence. Petitions like Subarna Ghosh’s demonstrate collective action’s power. Document all medical advice, lack of informed consent, and bills for evidence during legal proceedings.