Women's Reproductive Health Must Move from Sideline to the Mainstream

By: Rachita Sharma, Managing Editor | Monday, 20 July 2026

Women's reproductive health deserves far greater attention than it currently receives in India's healthcare ecosystem. While conversations around maternal health have rightly gained momentum, reproductive and gynecological care extends far beyond pregnancy.

It encompasses menstrual health, fertility, PCOS, endometriosis, menopause, cervical cancer, breast health, and overall well-being across every stage of a woman's life.

The numbers underscore the urgency. According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), 57% of Indian women aged 15–49 are anemic, affecting not only maternal outcomes but also energy levels, productivity, and long-term health.

Cervical cancer continues to be one of the most common cancers among Indian women, despite being largely preventable through timely screening and vaccination. Encouragingly, government initiatives have expanded screening, with over 10 crore women screened for common non-communicable diseases, including cervical cancer, under the National Health Mission.

Yet awareness, affordability, and access remain significant barriers. Too many women continue to normalize pain, delay consultations, or seek care only when symptoms become severe.

Women's reproductive health must move from the margins to the mainstream of healthcare planning. Better access to gynecological care, preventive screenings, health education, and affordable diagnostics will not only improve individual health outcomes but also strengthen families, workplaces, and communities.

Investing in women's health is not a niche priority, it is fundamental to building a healthier, more productive India.

Read more about leading Indian gynaecologists and maternity experts in the current edition of WER magazine. Through extensive conversations, we get a glimpse into the brightest minds behind women’s health services in India.

Read on and let us know your thoughts.