With this, we have launched a new feature titled ‘Reflections,’ which will present views of leading medical experts on specific topics of the World Health Days.
In honour of International Women’s Health Day on May 28th, 2024, our editorial team solicited the views of doctors nationwide on women’s healthcare and associated challenges.
Their views are presented here
“Women have made great strides over the decades, yet access and awareness to repro-ductive healthcare are limited in many parts of the world. There are so many barriers such as low socioeconomic status, lack of awareness and cultural stigmas which need to be addressed. Infertility affects millions worldwide and is frequently misunderstood and stigmatized. It causes profound psychological, social, and economic impacts on people. The current treatment approaches show disparities between advancements in the field and their practical application. We should ensure that the knowledge is universally accessible, effectively applied and legally right by educating current and future healthcare professionals!”
Padma Shri Dr. Kamini A Rao, Founder and Medical Director of Milann Fertility & Birthing Hospital is a distinguished expert in reproductive medicine. She holds honorary fellowships from the International Academy of Human Reproduction and FIGO and has received Lifetime Achievement Awards from ISAR and FOGSI.
“Having spent over 3 decades in Women’s healthcare, it is daunting to see how much more needs to be done to have some genuine attention to preventive health care. From cancer screening (breast, cervix) to osteoporosis, and domestic violence to gender budgeting: so much to do, so little priority given by our systems. Let us be the torchbearers of change, and work in our own capacity to make a difference!”
Dr. Reena Wani, MD, FRCOG, FICOG, DNBE, DGO, DFP, FCPS, leads as Professor and Head of Obstetrics and Gynecology at HBT Medical College and Dr. R N Cooper Municipal Hospital. Her expertise extends to serving as a Managing Committee Member at MOGS UNESCO Bioethics and a Core Committee Member at FOGSI’s Violence Against Women Cell.
“We as women take care of everyone else but unfortunately tend to ignore our own selves. The challenges women face are different as compared to men, as they have menstruation, pregnancy and lactation to endure. Health is not just about looking slim or having the correct weight, it is a combination of mental and physical aspects. The ability to handle stress well is lacking in many, and this can worsen a lot of conditions like Diabetes, Hypertension, Heart disease and PCOS. Along with this, one must sleep adequately, exercise regularly (more of strength training as we age) and be largely disciplined except for the occasional indulgence. Avoiding sugar and processed foods is important, they do no good! Women should prioritize their own health too and have regular checkups, especially after 40 years of age. Only when they’re healthy themselves can they ensure the health of all their loved ones.”
With 24 years of expertise, Dr. Ashwini Nabar is a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist with 24 years of experience. She serves as a Visiting Consultant at P.D. Hinduja Hospital Khar, Lilavati Hospital, and Thunga STH Hospital, Andheri. She has the distinction of performing the first robot-assisted Gynaecological surgery in Mumbai.
“Awakening Call to Women – Your Health is in your own Hands Prioritize your well-being. Don’t sacrifice your health for family needs. Seek care promptly. You’re not selfish for wanting to be treated well. Family is important but you are more important to the family. Delay could worsen your condition. Your health matters: Stay vigilant, seek treatment, and stop not till you’re symptom-free.”
Dr. Pratibha Narang is the recipient of the Dr. B. C. Roy award. Serving as Emeritus Professor of Microbiology and former Dean at Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, she contributed significantly to healthcare as Ex-Secretary of Kasturba Health Society, Sevagram.