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. 2024 Jul 2:48:83.
doi: 10.11604/pamj.2024.48.83.11726. eCollection 2024.

Policy recommendations to reduce high cesarean section rate in Türkiye

Mert Küçük  1   2
Affiliations

Policy recommendations to reduce high cesarean section rate in Türkiye

Mert Küçük. Pan Afr Med J. .

Abstract

According to the latest data, the majority of babies are delivered via cesarean section (C-section) in Türkiye. This is a medically unacceptable situation and reflects the highest rate in the world. Despite Türkiye enacting a law prohibiting elective C-sections, the rate has not decreased; rather increased. Therefore, this article and accompanying annex have been prepared to propose policy recommendations aimed at reducing the C-section rate. This article summarizes what has been done so far and outlines areas for improvement to reduce the C-section rate, offering a different perspective on policy. The C-section rate has reached such a critical level in Türkiye that a concerted effort involving the Turkish Ministry of Health, healthcare and obstetrics societies, physicians, midwives, healthcare professionals, public and the media is necessary. Health authorities in Türkiye should consider all policy recommendations in addressing this issue.

Keywords: Policy recommendation; Türkiye; cesarean section; health transformation program.

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Conflict of interest statement

The author declares no competing interest.

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