Kochi: Alarm bells are ringing in Kerala, as
a research study has revealed that one third of deliveries in
the highly literate state are Caesarian sections, more than
three times the national average.
The study says the national average is 8.2 and the maximum
justifiable rate of 15 per cent recommended by the World
Health Organisation
It noted that in many cases, caesarians are performed on
demand by the family, so that the delivery occurs at an
auspicious time. Though it`s mandatory for hospitals to report
to local bodies on details of deliveries, including whether a
caesarian is performed, such data is not analysed at the
hospital or by doctors, the study said.
Further research on the high ceasarian rate in Kerala, its
reasons and consequences needs to be undertaken, the study,
conducted by the Centre for Socio Economic and Environmental
Studies (CSEES), Kochi, a research institute, pointed out.
It said about nine per cent of total reported marriages in
Kerala takes place in the 15-17 age group, which is below the
legal minimum age. There are no marriages below 15 years.
More than two thirds of girls in Kerala get married at the
preferred age of 20 years or above, while the proportion is
only 36 per cent for all of India.
PTI
