The National Institute of Population Research and Training (NIPORT) conducted a survey which revealed a higher number of caesareans in private hospitals in Bangladesh.
It stated that 59.4% of the non-slum population, 50.5% of the urban population and 31.3% of the slum children were born by caesarean section.
This information was presented at the third Bangladesh Urban Health Survey (BUHS) 2021 results release ceremony at CIRDAP Auditorium in the capital on Tuesday.
According to the survey, most of the total number of children under various hospitals or health care institutions are born through surgery. 77% of babies born in non-slum communities with access to health care are delivered by caesarean. In addition, 75% of the urban population and 58.3% of the total births in the slums with access to health care are performed by caesarean section.
Besides, more babies were born through surgery in private health services compared to pregnancy facilities provided by non-government organizations (NGOs).
The survey revealed that among slum dwellers receiving pregnancy health services, the majority of surgeries were done in private hospitals. The lowest (25%) is in NGOs.
Among the non-slum population with access to antenatal health services, the highest 87% caesareans were performed in private hospitals while 51% of the private and NGO services went for surgery.
Apart from this, the majority (88%) of childbirth surgeries are performed in private hospitals among those receiving antenatal health services in the city. In addition, 37% of those who received services in government hospitals and 47% of those who received services in NGOs underwent surgery.
Health Minister Zahid Maleque, who attended the event as chief guest, said: “Our biggest crisis is manpower. As a result, it becomes difficult to get healthcare. People are getting clean water in slums and other areas. At the same time, electricity is also available. However, the country is lagging behind in sanitation.”
He said that the birth rate in slum areas is decreasing. Awareness about child marriage is increasing even among slum dwellers and poor people. Access to health care has increased during pregnancy in slum areas.
The health minister added that whenever pregnant women go to a private hospital for treatment, they are subjected to caesarean sections. It is not done in government hospitals unless necessary. However, private hospitals have additional facilities.