Expert: practice of caesarean section on the increase

By Joseph Varghese/Staff Reporter

Prof Ahmed Badreldeen, of Feto-Maternal Medicine Centre, was speaking at a panel discussion at the conference ‘Hot Topics in Obstetrics and Gynaecology’, organised by Sidra Medical and Research Center (Sidra) and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.

“The practice of caesarean section is on the increase everywhere whether it is in Qatar or anywhere else in the world. About 20% of deliveries in country take place through caesarean section. Half of them are first time pregnancies,” Prof Badreldeen added.

Experts at the discussion also pointed out that the first caesarean section can be prevented measuring several factors such as through antenatal care in pregnancy, by understanding the patient expectations, as well as assessing the condition of the physical foetus among other factors.

They also pointed out that the first nine months shape the rest of the life of a person and it should be taken care of with such seriousness. Cardiovascular health was pointed out as one of the important elements for a healthy foetus.

A speaker noted that 50% women with gestational diabetes develop type II diabetes and have a 70% risk of other cardiovascular disease for themselves.

Giving a keynote address on ‘Quality and patient safety indicators,’ Dr David Richmond, president, Royal College Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, said that skills and drills are the most important aspects to ensure safe treatment.

“The best approach can be a mixture of all factors such as alignment of external rewards, incentives and penalties along with intrinsic professional motivation. The right training, skills and drills can be the best way to ensure harm-free care in obstetrics and gynaecology.”

The experts also discussed three key themes of the Qatar Healthcare Strategy. They highlighted that Qatar’s healthcare focus from illness ‘treating’ to illness ‘preventing’ and improving people’s health and fitness is the right approach in this regard.

They also pointed out that creating effective and affordable services for all of the people of Qatar as well as integrating high quality research and continuing professional development into all areas of care delivery, are the other health priorities of Qatar.

The conference also discussed the latest obstetrics and gynaecology issues in the Middle East with the attendees engaging with global leaders as well as sharing ideas with colleagues from around the world. The conference concludes today.