The Turkish government has suspended more than 100 obstetrician-gynaecologists and imposed disciplinary measures as part of a nationwide effort to reduce the country’s high rate of caesarean births.
According to local newspaper BirGun, the affected doctors were fined, suspended from medical practice and ordered to undergo compulsory training following investigations into their caesarean delivery rates.
The move is part of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s “Decade of the Family” initiative, launched in 2025 to encourage higher birth rates and promote what the government describes as “natural births” amid concerns over Turkey’s declining population growth.
Data from the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) showed that Turkey recorded the highest caesarean section rate among its 38 member countries in 2023, with approximately 615 caesarean deliveries for every 1,000 live births.
Medical experts told AFP that many doctors and patients opt for caesarean deliveries because the procedure is significantly faster than vaginal birth, offers more predictable scheduling, and may reduce the risk of legal disputes arising from childbirth complications.
In April 2025, the Turkish government also prohibited elective caesarean procedures in private hospitals unless they are considered medically necessary.
The Antalya Chamber of Physicians confirmed that doctors with high caesarean rates had received official warnings, faced disciplinary investigations, been temporarily suspended from practice, and were required to attend antenatal training courses.
Separately, Diken news website reported that an obstetrician working at a private hospital near Istanbul was dismissed at the request of the Health Ministry over a high caesarean rate. The doctor was suspended for six months and must complete additional training at a state hospital and pass an examination before returning to practice.
ALSO READ:Governor Otu’s Recent Action Rewrites Cross River’s Health Sector Story
Hope you find the Above publication useful, Calabargist will love to keep you updated via our newsletter by subscribing with your email.
