Unnecessary C-Sections Surge in Pakistan

PAKISTAN: The discovery of caesarean deliveries, or C-sections, was a major medical breakthrough that helped prevent countless maternal and fetal deaths. However, global health standards recommend that the procedure be performed only when medically necessary. Yet, in Pakistan, where accountability gaps plague the healthcare system, it is often difficult to determine whether a caesarean is carried out to save the lives of the mother and child or to serve the birthing business.

Beyond cases required for medical reasons, many doctors now favour C-sections over natural deliveries, seeing them as more predictable and convenient since the procedure is quicker and involves fewer complications for the medical staff. However, C-sections carry increased health risks for both the mother and her newborn and may lead to complications in future pregnancies. Experts emphasize that a natural delivery remains the healthier option for both maternal and infant health.

Bashira Rani, a new mother from Lahore, shared that high blood pressure and the risk for potential labour complications led her towards a C-section. However, Naila, a new grandmother, revealed that a private hospital demanded Rs200,000 for her daughter's C-section, "Eventually my daughter had a natural birth at a public hospital after we paid a bribe. The Health Department lacks a system to regulate private hospitals, allowing financial exploitation," claimed Naila.

Sajida Bibi, a new mother from Peshawar, revealed that she was still experiencing complications after her C-section. While the doctors' side of the story remains unknown, Sajida believes she was pressured into surgery. "I kept crying and requested the doctor not to perform the C-section, but because of their greed for earning more money, they went ahead. Now I suffer from severe back pain and other complications," shared Sajida, whose story reflects a wider trend of medical malpractice hidden behind unnecessary C-sections.

Although backaches are often a classic postpartum complaint among women regardless of the mode of delivery, Dr Erum Majid, Associate Professor at Jinnah Hospital's Gynecology Department, revealed that C-sections were associated with a greater risk of complications including bleeding, infection, and anesthesia risks. "C-section requires careful monitoring, anesthesiologist clearance, and highly skilled female doctors. Sadly, no central data exists across the country to monitor their statistics," noted Dr Majid.

In Sindh, the rising rate of surgical deliveries places a financial burden on public hospitals, as patients require IV drips and other supplies. In 2025, Jinnah Hospital Karachi reported 12,549 deliveries, of which 6,438 were C-sections. When The Express Tribune contacted the Civil Hospital Karachi for data, they claimed that no records were available.

Authors: Muhammad Ilyas and Tufail Ahmed, The Expression Tribune