It's About Time We Expand The Ambit Of Women's Health Beyond Maternal Health

By: Rachita Sharma, special Editor | Monday, 9 May 2022

As a 33 year old Indian female, I must admit, I find visits to a gynecologist rather daunting. My unrest comes as an amalgamation of various factors, some that have to do with the society as a whole and some are because of my own perception and outlook.

Nonetheless, this hesitation should never stop me or any other woman in India to approach an expert when required, or even as a proactive step. A female body undergoes several major changes through her life-cycle.

Starting right from when she hits puberty, these changes continue up until she reaches menopause. Over the years, a woman's body has to deal with puberty, menarche, breast development, pregnancy to menopause. And in each of these steps, women have to rely on health professionals, specifically a Gynecologist.

From early age, when a woman's reproductive organs mature, individuals are advised to have an annual or at least three yearly health checkups with a gynecologists.

These professionals can help us become aware of basic bodily functions and promote good physical and mental wellbeing which are all vital aspects of managing women's health. However, for long, women's health policy in India has been largely focused on maternal health and family planning. It is equally critical for health policies and professionals to emphasize on expanding women's reach to a wider range of sexual and reproductive health services.

Since the 2000s, policies in India and the 2017 National Health Policy have stressed on the importance of expanding the ambit of women's health beyond maternal health to include treatment for reproductive tract infections (RTIs), cervical cancer screening and non-communicable diseases among others.

In 2018, the India Strategy for Women, Adolescents and Child Health (I-WACH) seconded the aforementioned points and worked on building a life-course approach to women's health that includes prevention, promotion, treatment and social determinants of health. A major role in achieving these goals can be played by compassionate and understanding professionals.

We need gynecologists who can listen, understand and treat women & girls without any judgments. Often times, patients require a sensitive ear as much as they require a skilled doctor.  In the current edition of Women Entrepreneur magazine, we present to you such professionals who are helping women traverse life with the support and advice that they very much need.

Do let us know your thoughts.