Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi Highlights Alarming Surge in Cesarean Deliveries

By: Azizi Khatri

 Karachi: The Medical & Social Welfare Committee of the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi held a seminar titled “The Rising Trend of Cesarean Sections During Childbirth in Pakistan – Reasons, Causes and Solutions” at Haseena Moin Hall. Noted gynaecologists Professor Dr. Shershah Syed, Professor Dr. Shabeen Naz Masood, Professor Dr. Sonia Naqvi and Dr. Bushra Mohsin addressed the gathering.

Arts Council President Muhammad Ahmad Shah and senior members of the medical fraternity also attended the event.

Speaking on the occasion, eminent gynaecologist Dr. Shershah Syed questioned the alarming rise in C-section procedures.

“Why are so many women undergoing cesarean deliveries? Was a woman created so her abdomen could be cut?” he remarked, calling the situation a grave concern.

He revealed that more than 20,000 women lose their lives every year in Pakistan due to childbirth-related complications, describing the figure as unacceptable for any civilized society.

He warned that cesarean section has become “a high-profit medical practice”, which is why the procedure is being excessively and unnecessarily performed.

Dr. Shershah said that while the first normal delivery may be difficult, subsequent ones are easier — whereas the risk increases after repeated cesarean procedures.

He condemned the growing trend of hospitals employing doctors who perform 10–12 C-sections a day and disappear, without ensuring proper follow-up care.

He added that immediately separating newborns from mothers post-operation harms immunity, stressing that skin-to-skin contact and bonding are crucial for infants.

He cited the United States, Denmark, and Norway as examples where midwives safely perform natural deliveries, keeping C-section rates low.

He emphasized that Pakistan’s cesarean rate should not exceed 10 percent.

Professor Dr. Shabeen Naz Masood said modern technology, impatience, and at times doctors’ harsh behavior has created a culture where patients themselves begin demanding C-sections.

She stated that decisions are often taken based on unnecessary medical tests and warned that once a woman undergoes her first C-section, the likelihood of future normal deliveries decreases drastically.

She termed home deliveries and quack midwifery extremely dangerous, stressing the need to select hospitals equipped to monitor both mother and child.

Professor Dr. Sonia Naqvi condemned unqualified individuals operating clinics and posing as gynaecologists.

“Pregnancy is not a disease—children have been born naturally for centuries. But fear is deliberately created to push women toward surgery,” she said.

She added that some doctors prefer C-sections due to time constraints, calling the practice unethical and unjust.

Dr Bushra Mohsin said that while gynecologists try to avoid cesarean deliveries, complications in some cases make the procedure essential.

She highlighted that doctors also face pressure and threats from patients’ families, which sometimes forces them to opt for surgery rather than risk a prolonged normal delivery.