Minister Dr G Parameshwara orders shutdown of hospitals over C-sections

Tumakuru: District In-charge Minister Dr. G Parameshwara has directed the immediate shutdown of private hospitals in Tumakuru district that are allegedly conducting unnecessary cesarean (C-section) deliveries for profit. The directive is intended to protect the health and financial stability of economically vulnerable families.

Speaking at the KDP (Karnataka Development Programme) progress review meeting held at the Zilla Panchayat office on Tuesday, Parameshwara came down heavily on the Health Department for its lack of concrete measures in addressing the issue. He expressed outrage over startling statistics that show private hospitals in Tumakuru conducting over 80% of deliveries through C-section, while government hospitals report a similarly troubling rate of 58%, well above national health standards.

As per the news reports, the minister questioned the officials about the lack of action, pointing out that Tumakuru had recorded the highest number of C-sections in the state.

Parameshwara pointed to reports indicating that some private hospitals are charging up to ₹1.5 lakh per C-section, particularly from economically weaker sections. He dismissed their explanations and demanded to know what steps had been taken to stop the exploitation of the poor, and how many hospitals had been shut down as a result.

Also Read: Hospitals performing Unnecessary C Sections to face action: Health Minister

According to Deccan Herald, responding to the concerns, District Health Officer Chandrashekar stated that warning notices had been issued to such hospitals. However, Parameshwara was not satisfied and said, “They will just tear up your notices and throw them away. That’s of no use. You must shut these hospitals down. Report back in the next meeting with concrete action.”

Parameshwara did not spare government hospitals either, slamming them for participating in the same unethical practices. He called for immediate disciplinary action against doctors found guilty of recommending unnecessary surgeries and ordered the transfer of underperforming taluk health officers, especially those who have held the same post for an extended period without results.

Also Read: Karnataka Plans to Pay Govt Hospitals for Normal Deliveries: Dinesh Gundu Rao

Medical Dialogues had previously reported that in a move aimed at promoting safer childbirth practices, the Karnataka state health department is drafting a proposal to pay all government hospitals the same amount for normal delivery as it pays for cesarean sections (C-sections). The proposal was announced by State Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao during a council meeting on Tuesday.