C-section births are the new cash cow for doctors

Kenyan mothers are now more likely to be delivered via caesarean section (CS) compared to three years ago, according to data on payouts made to hospitals as compensation for birth-related services. Aga Khan University Hospital Obstetrics and Gynaecology Chair, Marleen Temmerman, said the number of unnecessary C-sections being conducted in Kenya and across the world is on the rise. Prof Temmerman said the surgical procedure had become a cash cow for some private hospitals. She also accused doctors of complicity, noting that some were reluctant to respond to deliveries at night, opting instead to schedule patients during their preferred hours.