Hysterectomies to be included in National Family Health Survey-4

The Government of India on 19 August 2013 decided to include Hysterectomies as a component in the fourth round of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS), which will begin in January 2014.

The data generated during the NFHS could be used for formulating guidelines to conduct surgeries for removal of uterus.

The inclusion of Hysterectomies in NFHS came in the wake of a demand from the health activists and medical practitioners following reports of rising cases of hysterectomies across the country.

The decision to include hysterectomies as a component in the NFHS-4 was taken at the steering group meeting on NFHS on 19 August 2013. It was pointed out that unscrupulous doctors were performing hysterectomies on pre-menopausal and even women younger than 30 years for monetary gains.

About Hysterectomy 

• Hysterectomy is the complete or partial removal of the uterus, and sometimes ovaries, cervix and fallopian tubes. Ethically, a doctor should suggest this operation in case of certain medical conditions, or when all other treatment options fail.

About National Family Health Survey (NFHS)

The National Family Health Survey (NFHS) is a large-scale, multi-round survey conducted in a representative sample of households throughout India. 

Three rounds of the survey have been conducted so far.

• NFHS-1 (1992-93)

• NFHS-2 (1998-99)

• NFHS-3 (2005-06)

The survey provides State and National information for India on fertility, infant and child mortality, the practice of family planning, maternal and child health, reproductive health, nutrition, anaemia, utilization and quality of health and family planning services.

Comment

Presently, there are no exact statistics to show the prevalence rate of Hysterectomy operations, largely believed that they are the second most common surgeries performed on women, second only to caesarean sections. 

The rising concern is not just about the high expenditure and medical ethics, but also about the complications and troubles that follow. Hysterectomy may have a significant impact on woman’s health.