Survey Flags Rise In C-Sections, Diabetes, BP In Telangana

HYDERABAD: Telangana has posted substantial gains in maternal healthcare, women’s education and digital access, but the National Family Health Survey‑6 (2023‑24) has flagged sharp increases in Caesarean-section deliveries, diabetes and hypertension, even as child nutrition indicators show gradual improvement.

The survey shows that the state continues to perform strongly on basic amenities and health access. Households with electricity stood at 98.6 per cent, improved drinking‑water source at 98.2 per cent and iodised salt usage at 98.7 per cent. Nearly 98.8 per cent of births were institutional, while 97.7 per cent were attended by skilled health personnel.

Maternal care indicators remain among the better‑performing areas. First‑trimester antenatal check‑ups stood at 89.6 per cent, at least four antenatal visits at 80.3 per cent, and postnatal care within two days of delivery at 92.3 per cent.

Iron and folic acid consumption during pregnancy also improved, with 81 per cent of mothers taking supplements for 100 days or more.

But the survey has sounded an alarm on Caesarean-section deliveries. Telangana’s C‑section rate rose to 62.2 per cent from 60.7 per cent in the previous round, with the rate in private facilities remaining especially high. The report also shows a rising burden of non‑communicable diseases, with elevated blood sugar levels and hypertension affecting a growing share of adults.

Among women, the share with high or very high blood sugar, or those taking medicine to control it, rose to 19.6 per cent from 14.7 per cent, while the corresponding figure for men increased to 24.5 per cent from 18.1 per cent. Elevated blood pressure, or use of medication to control it, stood at 24.2 per cent among women and 28.2 per cent among men, both higher than in the previous survey.

On the social front, the state has recorded a strong jump in women’s digital reach. Women who ever used the internet rose to 64.8 per cent from 26.5 per cent, while those with 10 or more years of schooling increased to 51.1 per cent from 45.5 per cent. Women’s mobile‑phone use and access to bank accounts also remained high.

Child nutrition indicators improved, with stunting among under‑five children falling to 27 per cent from 33.1 per cent, wasting to 16.9 per cent from 21.7 per cent and underweight prevalence to 27.8 per cent from 31.8 per cent. However, only 15.3 per cent of children aged 6‑23 months received an adequate diet, underscoring the need for better nutrition practices.