With caesarean section deliveries continuing to rise across India, a Bengaluru-based hospital has highlighted an alternative maternity care model that it says has helped achieve a 70 per cent natural birth rate among its patients.
The discussion comes amid growing concern over the increasing number of surgical deliveries, particularly in private hospitals.
C-section rates continue to rise
According to the latest National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6), India’s overall caesarean section rate has risen to 27.2 per cent, compared to 21.5 per cent in the previous survey cycle.
The trend is particularly pronounced in private healthcare facilities, where 54.1 per cent of births are now conducted through C-sections. In Karnataka, the rate has increased significantly, reaching 45.7 per cent, while private hospitals in Bengaluru reported a rate of 63.8 per cent.
The figures have intensified debates over whether clinical necessity alone is driving the rise in surgical births.
Hospital focuses on natural deliveries
Superhealth, which opened in Koramangala nine months ago, says its maternity programme, known as Superbirth, has been designed to remove procedure-linked financial incentives that could influence delivery decisions.
The hospital states that all obstetricians, gynaecologists, paediatricians and neonatologists associated with the programme are employed on fixed salaries. It also follows a fixed-fee structure that remains unchanged regardless of whether a delivery is natural or surgical.
According to founder Varun Dubey, the model aims to ensure that decisions are guided by medical necessity and patient choice rather than financial considerations.
Extended support during pregnancy
The programme provides support throughout pregnancy and extends care until the child’s first birthday. Expectant mothers receive guidance from obstetricians, nutritionists, fitness specialists and birth coaches, while families have access to round-the-clock assistance.
The hospital believes that continuous preparation and labour support improve the chances of successful vaginal deliveries when clinically appropriate.
Experts stress balanced approach
Healthcare professionals continue to emphasise that C-sections remain essential and life-saving in many situations involving risks to the mother or baby.
However, the broader debate centres on ensuring that surgical intervention is undertaken only when medically required. As concerns over rising C-section rates grow, healthcare providers and policymakers are increasingly examining how maternity care systems can support informed decision-making and safe childbirth practices.