Assessment of Variation in Cesarean Delivery Rates Between Public and Private Health Facilities in India From 2005 to 2016

Key Points Question Are private vs public sector health care facilities associated with increases in cesarean delivery rates among pregnant women in India over time, and what is the avoidable burden of cesarean deliveries in private sector facilities? Findings In this cross-sectional study of 217 976 births at public and private sector institutions in India between 2005 and 2016, the likelihood of having a cesarean delivery in a private facility more than doubled over the period examined. A reduction in the percentage of cesarean deliveries in the private sector to the World Health Organization’s recommended threshold of 15% was associated with a potential cost savings of approximately $321 million. Meaning The study’s findings indicated that private sector facilities were associated with increases in the rate of cesarean deliveries; it is important that policy makers address the increasing number of avoidable cesarean deliveries in India.