Meghalaya Government to Investigate Rising Caesarean Section Rates

Shillong, India Aug 28, 2026 ALN: Shillong: The Meghalaya government has announced plans to investigate the rising rates of Caesarean section deliveries in the state, a topic that has gained significant attention in recent discussions within the Assembly. Health Minister Wailadmiki Shylla made this announcement during a session where the issue of institutional deliveries was discussed extensively. The conversation was prompted by Leader of Opposition Dr. Mukul Sangma, who called for a thorough examination of the factors contributing to the increasing reliance on C-sections.

Caesarean sections, commonly referred to as C-sections, are surgical procedures used to deliver a baby through incisions made in the abdomen and uterus. While they can be life-saving in cases of medical emergencies, their rising prevalence has raised concerns among health professionals and policymakers alike. Dr. Mukul Sangma highlighted that despite the importance of promoting institutional deliveries—where births occur in medical facilities—there is a pressing need to investigate why normal deliveries are becoming less common in Meghalaya.

During the Assembly discussion, Dr. Mukul pointed out that an increasing number of mothers are undergoing C-sections, stating, "Most of the mothers are required to undergo… there are instances where the normal deliveries are becoming less." He expressed concern that the frequency of C-sections is rising, which could indicate underlying health issues or changing maternal health conditions that need to be addressed.

In response, Minister Shylla acknowledged that while Meghalaya's C-section rate is currently below the national average, it is crucial to understand the trend better. He emphasized that government hospitals in the state do not perform C-sections unless there are clear medical complications that necessitate the procedure. This statement reflects an intention to ensure that surgical interventions are reserved for cases where they are medically justified, rather than being performed for convenience.

Shylla also suggested that changes in women's health and physical conditions could contribute to complications during childbirth, particularly in cases of women who are experiencing their third or fourth pregnancies. Furthermore, he mentioned that the state's fertility rate might also play a role in the increasing number of C-sections, as higher fertility rates can lead to more complicated pregnancies.

Dr. Mukul, however, cautioned against complacency, urging that Meghalaya should not merely compare its C-section rates with those of other states. Instead, he advocated for an independent investigation into the reasons behind the increasing trend. He stated, "There is a need to have a comprehensive study of this aspect," emphasizing the importance of identifying the medical factors that classify women as high-risk, which subsequently leads to a higher likelihood of requiring Caesarean deliveries.

Shylla assured the Assembly that the Health Department is already in the process of examining this issue and will conduct a "proper study" to investigate the factors contributing to the increase in C-sections. This commitment to a thorough investigation reflects the government's recognition of the complexity surrounding maternal health and the need to ensure safe delivery practices.

In addition to the discussions about C-sections, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma highlighted the state's efforts to utilize digital systems to monitor maternal health and institutional deliveries. The ASHA-First online system, as described by the Chief Minister, provides real-time information on pregnant women, including those classified as high-risk, and tracks institutional deliveries. This system is also designed to manage payments and claims involving ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activists) workers, who play a crucial role in promoting maternal and child health in the community.

According to the Chief Minister, institutional deliveries accounted for 80.49 percent of all deliveries in Meghalaya as of August, indicating a significant shift towards hospital-based births. This statistic underscores the importance of institutional deliveries, as they are generally associated with better health outcomes for both mothers and infants when compared to home births.

The Assembly discussion has reignited the conversation around the need to promote institutional deliveries while simultaneously examining the medical and maternal health factors that contribute to the rising rates of Caesarean procedures. The implications of this investigation are far-reaching, as understanding the reasons behind the increasing dependence on C-sections could lead to targeted interventions aimed at improving maternal health and reducing unnecessary surgical births.

Furthermore, the state's efforts to improve monitoring and data collection through digital systems could enhance the understanding of maternal health trends and inform policy decisions. By addressing the factors contributing to high C-section rates, the government aims to ensure that all women have access to safe and appropriate childbirth options, ultimately improving health outcomes for families across Meghalaya.