Women’s health is the term used to describe how women’s health is different from men’s health in numerous distinctive ways. As described by the World Health Organisation as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity,” is an example of women’s health.
Many organisations push for a broader definition of women’s health, which is frequently limited to just the reproductive health of women. In underdeveloped nations, where women are more disadvantaged, these disparities are exacerbated. Even though women in industrialized nations increasingly outlive males in terms of life expectancy, they still suffer from many health issues early and with worse outcomes. Since women’s health is influenced not just by their biology but also by situations like poverty, job, and family responsibilities, gender continues to be a significant social predictor of health.
WHY WOMEN’S HEALTH IS SO IMPORTANT?
Considering that women are the foundation of a family’s overall health, ensuring their access to high-quality treatment can also benefit the health of children and families.
“Healthy Women, Healthy World” is a well-known slogan that captures the significance of women’s roles as guardians of family health in preserving their communities’ health and general well-being. But because women take on so many different duties, they frequently prioritize the health of their spouses or kids over their own needs.
A memoir of women’s health in INDIA:
The push for women’s healthcare began in 1885 and took 65 years to establish FOGSI, an organization dedicated to women’s health and education. Dr Ushasairaya played a crucial role in establishing pap smear services in India. Indian women’s health was poor in the late 19th century, with high rates of maternal and neonatal mortality, malnutrition, TB, and anaemia. After independence, Ms Rajkumari Amrit Kaur played a significant role in addressing women’s health issues, including family planning. Despite progress, much work remains to be done in the twenty-first century.
Another catchphrase is empowerment via health and health through empowerment. The importance of and attention to social issues such as girls’ education, safety, and the abolition of child marriages. Women’s health needs are diverse and might include things like menopause, maternal mortality, thyroid-related problems, anaemia, and other hormonal and nutritional deficiencies..
However, there are still several problems that require attention. The need to improve women’s healthcare in India. India has a maternal mortality rate that is much higher than many other nations in the region, at 145 deaths per 100,000 live births, according to data from the World Health Organisation. In India, around 50 million women experience issues with their reproductive systems. In India, anaemia affects 50% of women of reproductive age, which can complicate pregnancy and childbirth. Additionally, the two cancers that affect women in India most frequently are still breast and cervical cancer. In India in 2018, there were almost 96,922 deaths from cervical cancer, according to the National Health Profile 2019.
CONCLUSION
Making sure Indian women have access to high-quality healthcare is also crucial. This entails not just having access to healthcare professionals and medical facilities, but also having access to essential drugs and therapies. It will be simpler for women to maintain their health and avoid significant health issues if they have access to the required healthcare services.
The urgent need to improve women’s healthcare in India calls for a diverse strategy. Driving change requires a combination of factors, including technology, sex-aware treatment, gender-sensitive mental health services, collaboration, public-private partnerships, women leaders in the healthcare workforce, increased awareness, and access to insurance and related healthcare facilities.
Shared by : Prof. R.SreeRaja Kumar
Sharda University
