No Bill For Baby Girls: A Private Hospital's Move Is Winning Hearts In Karnataka

Last Updated:March 17, 2026, 14:06 IST

Typically, delivery costs in private hospitals in the area range between Rs 15,000 and Rs 35,000, depending on the type of procedure.

In many parts of rural India, the cost of childbirth in private hospitals continues to be a significant concern for families. Medical expenses, especially for deliveries, often add financial pressure at a time that is otherwise meant to be celebratory. But, a private hospital in Karnataka’s Vijayapura district has introduced a move that is drawing attention for both its intent and impact.

Dr. S.S. Biradar, the owner of Ashwini Hospital in Indi town, has announced that the hospital will waive all medical and surgical charges for the delivery of baby girls for a period of one year. The initiative applies to both normal deliveries and Cesarean sections.

“In many rural areas, the birth of a girl is still viewed as a financial liability. By making the delivery free of cost, we want to change this mindset and send a message that a daughter is a gift, not a burden. We want families to welcome a baby girl with the same joy and sweets they would for a boy," he told The Times of India.

Typically, delivery costs in private hospitals in the area range between Rs 15,000 and Rs 35,000, depending on the type of procedure. By removing these charges entirely, the hospital is attempting to ease the financial burden on families and encourage a more positive outlook towards the birth of girls in conservative rural communities.

Early Impact of the Initiative

The response to the initiative has been immediate. On the first day of implementation, four baby girls were born at the hospital. In line with the announcement, the hospital waived the delivery charges for all four families. The families expressed both surprise and gratitude, as the gesture significantly reduced their financial stress.

The initiative is also being seen as part of a broader effort by individual medical practitioners to use their platforms to address social issues.

Significance for Rural Communities

The decision carries particular importance in regions like Indi taluk, where a large section of the population depends on daily wages or small-scale farming. For many such families, the cost of childbirth can amount to nearly a month’s income.

Eliminating this expense allows families to allocate their resources towards the child’s nutrition, healthcare and future needs.

While the hospital will continue to bear the operational costs associated with these procedures, Dr. Biradar has committed to sustaining the initiative for the full year.

At a time when healthcare costs are rising steadily, this initiative highlights how targeted interventions at the local level can address both financial and social challenges. By removing the cost of delivery for baby girls, the hospital is not only supporting families but also contributing to a gradual shift in how daughters are perceived and welcomed in society.

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