The experts came together for insightful discussions on a variety of themes including menstrual health equity in India, addressing gaps in women’s health, grassroot perspectives on hysterectomies and role of public-private partnership for better impact in women health
The experts at the second edition of “Preserve the Uterus” Conclave concluded that a life-course approach along with strategic partnerships in the space of women’s health, is the key to achieving better reproductive health for women. The public health specialists at the conclave also pointed out that creating relevant awareness on critical issues like heavy menstrual bleeding and uterus preserving therapies can empower women to take better decisions for their holistic wellbeing.
The experts came together for insightful discussions on a variety of themes including menstrual health equity in India, addressing gaps in women’s health, grassroot perspectives on hysterectomies and role of public-private partnership for better impact in women health.
While taking part in the discussion Dr Neelam Diwakar Gorhe, Deputy Chairperson, Maharashtra Legislative Council said, “Government Guidelines and SOPs on Hysterectomies need to be properly implemented for better health outcomes. Multi stakeholder engagements should be initiated in the realm of women’s health for sustainable solutions as well as sharing of knowledge and best practises.”
The Conclave titled ‘Redefining and Empowering Women’s Health’ was organised by Integrated Health and Wellbeing (IHW) Council and Bayer along with FOGSI. They jointly launched the Preserve the Uterus Campaign, in April 2022, to create awareness on the growing number of hysterectomies in the country and to advocate for uterine preserving therapies to enhance reproductive health of women in the country.
Highlighting the impact of the initiative, Manoj Saxena, Managing Director, Bayer Zydus and South Asia Head – Pharma said, “Through the Preserve the Uteruscampaign, we have reached out to healthcare professionals as well as diverse sections of women. We have been able to heighten awareness and create an impact among the communities by targeted interventions to educate them with the right information on issues like Heavy Menstrual Bleeding.” He further added, “Strategic partnerships like these can help provide new healthcare solutions and innovative approaches thus providing a better quality of life for women at large.”
Apart from public health experts, the sessions witnessed state government representatives and ASHA and ANM workers from Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Rajasthan. The experts also highlighted the role of adolescence education and agreed that “Catching them Young” is a good strategy to inculcate right awareness around healthy menstrual hygiene practises in growing children and schools can play an important role in this regard.
Dr Sapna Desai, Associate II, Population Council, New Delhi & SEWA Health Cooperative, Ahmedabad while sharing her insights in the discussion remarked, “Access to credible information is pivotal along with ensuring gender equity in health.”
Discussing about the integration of holistic aspects of women heath in the primary health care pathways she noted that health discourse around women, should gradually shift from the traditional, maternal and reproductive health to include issues like menopause, HMB and hysterectomies for sustainable and long-lasting impact.