Operations the new cash cow for doctors in private hospitals

A majority of women in the South Rift region have claimed doctors coerced them into undergoing a Caesarian section (CS).

They said they were subjected to CS by gynaecologists who handled them during the antenatal period. Doctors in private hospitals were mostly blamed for advising women to undergo the operation even in the absence of an emergency.

Rita Kerubo, a mother of one who gave birth at Annex Hospital in Nakuru, said she saw no need to undergo a CS in 2013.

Ms Kerubo said after attending all her antenatal clinics, she went to the hospital when she started experiencing labour pains but the doctor said she was to give birth through CS because of her weight.

Being her first pregnancy, the 29-year-old mother obliged without question as she wanted a smooth delivery for her baby.

"The doctor added that if I delayed going for the operation, the child could develop complications during delivery and at the same time my life was endangered," said Kerubo.

She felt by the doctor telling her she was big, he was not concerned about the baby's welfare.

"I attended all antenatal clinics and was happy to give birth to my first-born but on reaching the hospital, the doctor asked if it was my first pregnancy. He shocked me saying I was big and prescribed a CS," said Kerubo.

She was directed to pay Sh35,000 before receiving service, money that catered for the operation, food and drugs, among other services.

However, on being discharged, she was surprised to meet other mothers in the hospital who had not been advised to go through the operation.

"The doctor did not examine me to find out if the child was ready for birth. How big was I that I could not deliver in a normal way?" she asked.

Kerubo, now expecting her second born, regretted having undergone an operation and said she was looking forward to giving birth in a normal way.

She said immediately after the operation, she suffered backaches which lasted for six months.

"I have developed back pain that affects my operation and at times I get admitted in hospital when it intensifies. CS is a quick money-minting business for doctors from pregnant women," she said.

Mother of two, Miriam Wanjohi, gave birth to her first child through normal delivery and the second born through CS.

Ms Wanjohi said she settled for CS on doctor's advice. "I had severe labour pains and went to the hospital where I inquired about CS and was encouraged by the doctor to undergo it for fear of labour pains," she said.

Clear Bill

Elizabeth Nanjala, who gave birth at War Memorial Hospital in Nakuru in August, said her gynaecologist recommended a CS.

Ms Nanjala said she had a medical cover and that helped her clear a bill of Sh80,000 for the service at the hospital. CS charges at the hospital range between Sh80,000 and Sh120,000 for patients who have a medical cover.

Gashathi Nyambura a doctor at Bondeni Maternity Hospital said she recommended that pregnant women deliver in a normal way rather than a CS.

Dr Nyambura said the operation should only be done if a pregnant woman indicated complications, for instance, a baby getting tired before delivery time.

She, however, said most doctors send pregnant women to CS due to anticipated fear especially for high risk mothers (women who have had an operation).

"Doctors should give proper information to expectant women and not force them to undergo CS that comes with complications and a prolonged healing process," said Nyambura.

Reports indicate Bondeni Maternity is among hospitals that record the highest number of normal deliveries in Nakuru County with an average of 150 every month.

In 2014, the facility recorded 923 deliveries, a number that increased to 1,871 last year. All deliveries were normal.

Mary Gathoni, a mother of two who had normal delivery, said CS should only be an alternative if the life of a pregnant woman is in danger.

Ms Gathoni of Bondeni estate in Nakuru said most women preferred the operation in fear of pain which is against God's wish.

"Why should a woman undergo CS when labour pain is the sweetness of being a mother? Most women fear the pain of pushing out a baby that is a normal part of womanhood as entailed in the Holy Bible," she said.

She gave birth to her first born at Nakuru Nursing Home and the second one at the Rift Valley Provincial General Hospital free of charge in October last year after the introduction of free maternal care by the Government.

Mercy Bett from Kuresoi North delivered her two children at Kuresoi District Hospital in a normal way.

Ms Bett said despite having been in deep labour pain, doctors at the facility examined and advised her to persevere and wait for the right time.

"A mother can only enjoy her womanhood after undergoing normal delivery. I am a proud mother because I endured pain that comes with labour," she said.