Nutrition and Health needs should be gender neutral, says experts

Women play a vital role in our communities and despite being an important pillar of society, they have poor health outcomes around the world

New Delhi: The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), an apex body, organized a webinar that focused on Women’s Health – Issues & Solutions to cascade awareness and disseminate knowledge of the overall health and well-being of women as they constitute a large part of the community.  The webinar, which is a part of Illness to Wellness initiative, highlighted the need for healthcare, which includes nutrition, to be gender neutral.  

It focused on the fact that women are at higher risk than men for illnesses like Alzheimer’s, osteoporosis, migraines, and strokes due to biological factors as well as the social disadvantage that exists against them in clinical care and medical research.

Anil Rajput, Chairperson, ASSOCHAM CSR Council, in his welcome address, “Women play a vital role in our communities and despite being an important pillar of society, they have poor health outcomes around the world with repercussions not only for them, but also for their families.”

Highlighting on the need for a holistic and comprehensive approach to achieve better health for this crucial 50% of the population, Rajput said, “Women must have access to knowledge about the spectrum of her health conditions and a system of self-care to experience positive health and well-being.”

He added, “If women are ensured good medical care and health, then it will benefit all of us. In fact, the Government of India (GoI) has come out with several schemes that aligns with women health and development, which includes Janani Shishu Surakhsha Sahay Yojna, Kasturba Poshan Sahay Yojna and Ayushman Bharat.”

Dr. Meena Chhabra, Senior Physicians, Senior Visiting Consultant & Diabetologist, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi shared her insight on how women’s health is ignored and how they are traditionally considered to be the caretaker of the family. Stressing on the need to bring women issues on the forefront, she added that women should be involved in clinical trials and address health concerns for their own well-being.

According to Dr. Anjana Singh, Director & HOD, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Fortis Hospital, Noida, PCOS is rampant in young females with the increase of hormonal changes in teenage years. Psychological issues and sedentary lifestyle disturb the biological clock of woman leading to infections, illnesses, and diseases. Vaccines like rubella, cervical cancer vaccine should be taken by women to avoid such conditions. “Eight women die every minute because of cervical cancer,” she stated, adding that women should take preventive care like rubella and cervical cancer vaccine. Stating that there has always been a vast difference in the health needs of men and women, she added that the biological make-up of women makes her vulnerable to certain health conditions like heart stroke, diabetes, depression etc.

Dr. Shalini Jaggi, Senior Physicians, Consultant, Diabetologist, Director, Lifecare Diabetes Centre, New Delhi stressed on mental health being as important as physical heath as a sound mind creates a healthy body and a healthy society.  She also mentioned about the gestational diabetes, which is the mother of all noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), adding that diabetes and NCD prevention begins in the womb.

While moderating the discussion, Dr. Rajesh Kesari, Founder and Director Total Care Control, Delhi – NCR EC Member, RSSDI concluded by stating, “Women are the backbone of a family’s overall health; therefore, it is important for them to have good nutrition and health as it can lead to improved health for children and families. There is no doubt that the health of women affects the health of families and communities.”