A senior gynecologist in Assam, India, is facing an investigation after reportedly carrying out 21 emergency caesarean deliveries in just one shift.

Dr. Kantheswar Bordoloi, who works as the senior medical officer at Morigaon Civil Hospital, performed the surgeries between 3:40 pm on September 5 and 1:50 am on September 6.

Local authorities issued a show-cause notice to him, asking why he should not face disciplinary action. They raised concerns about the safety of the mothers and babies involved.

According to reports, the hospital administration demanded full details of each case within three days.

They specifically requested information about sterilisation, whether any babies showed distress, how newborns were cared for in the neonatal unit, and what roles the assisting staff played.

The health commissioner in charge, Nitisha Bora, said the situation was serious and directed the doctor to provide complete reports for every surgery.

Officials also noted that medical records before and after the operations were poorly kept. They warned this could weaken infection control and increase risks for both mothers and infants.

They added that proper documentation is essential to prevent complications and reduce maternal and infant deaths.

Dr. Bordoloi defended himself, saying that performing multiple surgeries in a short time is normal in India’s busy public hospitals.

He explained that some caesarean deliveries take only 15 minutes when they are uncomplicated, and with two operating tables in use, sterilisation was properly maintained.

He told The Assam Tribune that he was only responding to emergencies as they came in and that nothing unusual was done.

He added that 19 out of the 21 mothers and newborns had already been discharged safely, while two remained hospitalised, including one who was referred to Gauhati Medical College for further care.

This case comes at a time when C-section rates in India have been rising. A 2023 study found that caesarean births have increased from about 17 percent in 1998–99 to more than 21 percent in recent years.

The study also revealed that women with higher education, better finances, regular prenatal checkups, or those living in cities were more likely to have C-sections.

Some research has also suggested a possible link between caesarean births and later diagnoses of autism or ADHD, though scientists stress that C-sections have not been proven to directly cause these conditions.