Push for more normal deliveries

MANY first-time mothers looking for a good doctor to deliver their babies are at a disadvantage in Malaysia. Not only are they worried about whether they would have a happy birth experience, they also have almost no reliable information about the doctor who would be doing the delivery.

Many experienced doctors have abandoned deliveries and those who remain tend to lean towards Caesarean sections mainly because of defensive medicine. The premium on medical indemnity for obstetrics can cost up to RM100,000 per annum.

However, there are a few obstetricians who try their best to perform a normal delivery, which is still the best in most circumstances.

All private hospitals should publish the rate for Caesarean sections by their respective doctors. This would empower women to make their choices based on their own preferences.

Hopefully, this would reward doctors who are trying to stem the ever rising rate of Caesarean sections in private practice and at the same time allow women to have an enriching birthing experience.

PRACTISING DOCTOR , Putrajaya