OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to estimate the actual financial cost of a caesarean section in a public hospital in Cyprus, to determine the frequency of the caesarean sections compared to normal deliveries, to analyze the potential risks regarding the mother and the newborn, after performing a cesarean section and to measure the impact of the proliferation of caesarian sections towards the Health System.

METHODS: The direct and indirect costs of a caesarian section were measured by random sampling in the Maternity Ward of the Larnaca General Hospital. Direct costs included recording staff salaries, the medication used and measuring the laboratory tests conducted. Indirect costs included the use of machinery, administrative and technical services, clothing and food and utilities expenditure as a 20% of the direct costs.

RESULTS: According to the findings of the study, the actual financial cost of a caesarian section amounted to €2,520.16 with no significant difference when comparing it with the existing billing (€2,612.00) but significantly higher than the cost of a normal delivery. However, large deficits could be created for the Cypriot Health System when taking into consideration the increase in the rate of caesarian sections, as accumulated in the last few years. In fact, according to the respective statistics of the Ministry of Health, the percentage of the caesarian sections performed in the public maternity wards in 2011 was 42.8 %, while in the private maternity hospitals it reached 59.2 %.

CONCLUSIONS: In general, the large cost disparity between the caesarian sections and the normal deliveries has resulted in an increase in the costs for the Health System, especially in a time when the economic crisis has led to reduced funding from the state.