Health – Andhra Pradesh Sets Target to Reduce Caesarean Deliveries by 2028-29
Health –Health Minister Y Satya Kumar Yadav has instructed the state’s health department to take concrete measures to reduce the Caesarean section (C-section) delivery rate in Andhra Pradesh from the present 51% to 35% by the financial year 2028-29. He emphasized that normal childbirth should remain the preferred option whenever medically possible, highlighting its long-term health benefits for both mothers and newborn babies.
Government Reviews Rising Caesarean Deliveries
During a review meeting held at the State Secretariat on Friday, the Minister met with senior health officials and specialists in obstetrics to assess the growing number of Caesarean births across the state. The discussions also covered the performance of diagnostic facilities available in government hospitals and explored ways to improve maternal healthcare services.
Officials reviewed existing healthcare practices and examined the factors contributing to the increasing reliance on surgical deliveries. The meeting focused on identifying practical steps that could encourage safe and medically appropriate childbirth while maintaining high standards of maternal and neonatal care.
Minister Stresses Medical Necessity for Surgical Births
Addressing the officials, Y Satya Kumar Yadav stated that Caesarean procedures should be carried out only when they are medically justified. He noted that unnecessary surgical deliveries should be discouraged, as normal deliveries generally support better recovery for mothers and contribute to healthier outcomes for infants.
The Minister reiterated that promoting evidence-based medical decisions is essential to ensuring the well-being of both women and children. He also called for greater awareness among healthcare providers and expectant families about the advantages of natural childbirth whenever it is considered safe by medical professionals.
Andhra Pradesh Records High C-Section Numbers
Government figures presented during the meeting showed that Andhra Pradesh registered 520,680 childbirths during the 2025-26 period. Out of these, 280,318 deliveries were performed through Caesarean section, representing 53.85% of the total births recorded across the state.
The statistics underline the continued prevalence of surgical deliveries and have prompted the government to set measurable goals aimed at reducing the percentage over the coming years. Officials are expected to monitor progress regularly as part of the state’s broader maternal healthcare strategy.
State Among Highest in National Rankings
The official data also revealed that Andhra Pradesh has one of the highest Caesarean delivery rates in the country. The state currently ranks fourth nationwide, with only Telangana, Jammu and Kashmir, and Tamil Nadu reporting higher proportions of C-section births.
According to the figures, Telangana recorded the highest rate at 57.50%, followed by Jammu and Kashmir at 55.40% and Tamil Nadu at 54.92%. In comparison, the national average for Caesarean deliveries stands at 30.13%, highlighting the significant gap between Andhra Pradesh and the country as a whole.
Health authorities are expected to strengthen monitoring systems, improve clinical guidelines, and encourage medically appropriate childbirth practices as part of the effort to achieve the government’s target by 2028-29 while ensuring patient safety remains the highest priority.