Sterilisation gender gap widens: Only 457 men opted NSV in 2023-24

Despite awareness campaigns & incentives, male sterilisation remains dismally low, with women overwhelmingly bearing burden of permanent contraception

- RAHUL R @Kollam

PATHANAMTHITTA, Kollam, Idukki, and Palakkad districts reported some of the lowest male sterilisation figures in the state, underscoring a persistent gender gap in permanent family planning.

According to the latest Health Management Information System (HMIS) report of the state health department, only 457 men underwent non-scalpel vasectomy (NSV) in 2023-24, while 51,740 women underwent sterilisation procedures—including laparoscopic, mini-lap, post-partum sterilisation (PPS), and post-abortion sterilisation (PAS).

Pathanamthitta had the lowest uptake with only eight male sterilisations, while Kollam and Palakkad each reported just 11 NSVs. Idukki followed with 15. The data highlights how the burden of permanent contraception continues to fall overwhelmingly on women despite years of awareness drives and cash-incentive schemes.