SANGRUR, Aug. 22 -- Punjab's C-section delivery rate has seen a sharp and concerning rise, with the latest data showing that 47.1% of all births across the state are now cesarean, approaching the 50% mark, according to a response under the Right to Information (RTI) Act. This figure, drawn from hospital information management systems over the past three years, highlights a growing trend in both private and public healthcare sectors.

In stark contrast to the World Health Organization (WHO)'s recommended C-section rate of 10% to 15%, Punjab's current rate is nearly three times higher, sparking concerns over the increasing medical and ethical implications of this trend.

The latest Lancet Regional Health - Southeast Asia report published in...