By URN
Medical practitioners at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital have raised concerns over the increasing number of women delivering through Caesarean Sections (C-sections) at the facility. Statistics from Uganda Radio Network (URN) reveal that the hospital performs 10-15 C-sections daily, out of approximately 40 deliveries conducted each day.
Dr. Ibrahim Bwanga, Acting Director at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital, attributes this trend to delayed referrals from village health facilities. “Most expectant mothers are referred to us after several failed attempts by other health workers in the villages.
They often arrive with obstructed labor,” Bwanga said. While acknowledging the importance of C-sections as lifesaving procedures, Bwanga warned about the potential risks when conducted unnecessarily. “Caesarean sections can lead to short- and long-term health problems for both mothers and babies if performed without medical necessity,” he noted.
Dr. Bwanga urged expectant mothers to prioritize early antenatal care at government health facilities to ensure timely management of their health and avoid complications.
Globally, concerns about rising C-section rates are echoed by findings from a 2021 World Health Organization (WHO) study. The research highlighted significant disparities in access to the procedure based on geography. For instance, only 5% of women in sub-Saharan Africa delivered via C-section compared to the global average of 21%.
The WHO report also noted a worrying increase in C-section rates worldwide, rising from 7% in 1990 to 21% today. By 2030, projections indicate the highest rates could reach 63% in Eastern Asia, 54% in Latin America and the Caribbean, 50% in Western Asia, and 48% in Northern Africa.
While these surgeries can be essential in addressing childbirth complications, experts emphasize the need for balanced access and careful evaluation to avoid unnecessary risks, particularly in settings with limited resources.
