India is witness to growing cases of uterus removal (hysterectomy). Even much younger women are not immune to it. This may inflict a physical, social, and mental health burden on these women.
Bayer, a leading global healthcare company and the Integrated Health and Wellbeing (IHW) Council organised a National Summit in the National Capital to create awareness about unnecessary hysterectomies in the country.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Amita Bali Vohra, DDG, government of India, said “Families are major decision makers in our society when it comes to women’s health and hence, the families need to be made aware of such issues so that the women have their support in seeking best medical advice.”
While talking about government initiatives on women’s health, Dr. K Madan Gopal, Sr. Consultant Health, NITI Aayog observed that work is underway to bring gynecological care into focus as compared to obstetric care, which has been the government’s focus since the last couple of decades. Screenings and diagnostic care for women’s health also need to be initiated on a larger scale.
The uterus is an important organ of the female body, but due to lack of knowledge, there is a misconception that after childbearing, the uterus does not play a significant role in women’s health. This is the reason that many women opt for hysterectomies for trivial health issues.
In India, hysterectomies are the second most common gynecological surgery, often conducted for conditions like heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB), which could be managed non-surgically. Moreover, some of these are being performed at younger ages and during peak reproductive years.
While discussing about Bayer’s pioneering efforts in women’s health Manoj Saxena, Managing Director, Bayer Zydus and South Asia Head – Pharma said Bayer has already reached out to ~ 5000 practitioners through HCP education initiatives to raise awareness about gynaecological diseases & modern methods of management.