Turkey's Health Ministry has reportedly suspended more than 100 obstetrician-gynaecologists and fined them as part of a nationwide crackdown on the country's high rate of caesarean deliveries.
According to reports, the affected doctors were also ordered to undergo mandatory training before they can resume normal practice. The Antalya Chamber of Physicians said many had been issued warnings, subjected to disciplinary investigations, temporarily suspended from practising, and compelled to attend antenatal training courses because of the country's high caesarean section rates.
Turkey recorded the highest caesarean birth rate among the 38 Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries in 2023, with about 615 caesarean deliveries per 1,000 live births.
Medical professionals say caesarean procedures are often preferred because they take around 30 minutes compared to vaginal births, which can last up to 12 hours. They also argue that the procedure offers greater certainty for both doctors and patients while reducing the risk of legal disputes arising from childbirth complications.
In April 2025, the Turkish government banned elective caesarean deliveries at private hospitals unless they were considered medically necessary.
Reports also claim that an obstetrician at a private hospital near Istanbul was dismissed at the Health Ministry's request over a high caesarean rate and suspended for six months. The doctor must now complete training at a state hospital and pass an examination before being allowed to return to work.
Reacting to the government's actions, Dr. Ayse Gultekingil of the Turkish Medical Association argued that punishing doctors would not solve the underlying problem.
"Turkey's caesarean birth rate exceeds 60 per cent. But the method of delivery reflects various problems within Turkey's healthcare system," she said.
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