Doctors to focus on women's wellbeing

Bangalore, June 8: The Federation of Obstetric & Gynaecological Societies of India Friday resolved to focus on the wellbeing of

to build a healthy generation with better

services.

"A healthy population is vital for the economic health of our nation. About 30 percent (331 million) of our population is in the adolescent age group (10-19 years). We have resolved to address health issues affecting the population, particularly womenfolk," federation president Hema Divakar said here, unveiling the apex body's 'Vision 2022' at a conference here.

To make India a vibrant and health nation over the next decade, the federation has decided to adopt a multi-pronged approach to tackle four main issues -- ABCD, viz., Anaemia among adolescent and pregnant women, Building contraceptive choices, Cancer cervix and Diabetes.

"As 56 percent adolescent girls are anaemic, tackling it can reduce the maternal mortality ratio. Similarly, cancer cervix has reached an alarming proportion, while diabetes has assumed an epidemic proportion across the country," Divakar said.

Observing that a healthy population was imperative to reduce the economic burden of a developing nation like India, the senior gynaecologist said the federation would introduce a primary prevention mode to address the root cause of the health problems (ABCD) and build capacity with medical and paramedical staff.

"We have intensified training for obstetricians, gynaecologists, medical officers, primary health care centre staff and ANMs (auxiliary nurse midwife) across the country through various programmes. We are also in the process of starting DIP (diabetes in pregnancy) clinics with the assistance of specialists," Divakar said.

Johns Hopkins director Harshad Sanghvi said the federation would initiate a slew of programmes and technological innovations for rapid adoption and implementation for women's health care.

"We envision a paradigm shift to ensure that the perception towards women changes. Otherwise, macro health problems of women and girl child will remain a challenge," Sanghvi said on the occasion.

The federation aims to ensure saving the girl child becomes a non-issue by 2022, educate and empower women for taking care of their health, provide healthcare facilities for about 360 million youth across the country for their wellness through anaemia eradication, sex education, vaccinations, contraception and HIV/AIDS care.

"Ensuring health for all is feasible through public private partnership. The maternal healthcare offered at the Chamarajanagar first referral unit in Karnataka in association with the federation is a role model for other state governments to replicate across the country," Karuna Trust (a non-government organisation) secretary H. Sudarshan said.

With219 member societies and about 27,000 members from across the country, the 63-year-old federation is the largest apex body representing practitioners of obstetrics and gynaecology in the country.

IANS