AP To Audit C-sections At Network Hospitals To Curb Their Abuse

Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh government is conducting an audit of Caesarean deliveries at all network hospitals under NTR Vaidya Seva scheme to curb their abuse in the state.

At a recent review meeting, Health minister Satya Kumar Yadav expressed concern over the increasing number of C-section deliveries being performed in the state irrespective of the medical need. The minister directed officials to audit these deliveries, including the medical reasons justifying such deliveries, relevant medical test reports, and records of other evidence.

Accordingly, NTR Vaidya Seva Trust chief executive officer K.V.N. Chakradhara Babu has issued a circular to the managements of all network hospitals to comply with the direction to audit all the C-section deliveries and record medical needs.

As per norms, C-section deliveries are to be performed only when the health condition of both the mother and infant faces risk. Ahead of the surgery, the standard norms for surgery, the prescribed medical practices to be followed, and all details justifying such deliveries are to be recorded by the concerned hospitals for verification.

The CEO said NTR Vaidya Seva Trust or authorised officials would conduct the audit on C-section deliveries. In case mandatory details justifying such deliveries were not recorded as per norms, stern action would be initiated against the erring hospitals.

Moreover, every C-section delivery patient must have an Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) identification number and an electronic health record. Without these, no medical treatment can be provided under the NTR Vaidya Seva scheme.

Chakradhara Babu made it clear that the circular issued for conducting an audit of C-section deliveries would come into effect immediately.