Background

Access to gynecological and women's reproductive healthcare remains a major challenge for women throughout India. Barriers to gynecological health in Gujarat remain substantial, particularly for women from underserved or rural backgrounds, despite the economic and infrastructural advances that have taken place in the state. Cultural stigma and financial barriers often prevent women from seeking timely medical help. This further leads to preventable complications and low quality of life.

Relevant data backs up these claims in abundance. From women aged 15-49 in Gujarat, approximately 65% of them suffer from anaemia, according to the NFHS-5. The anemia rate found in young girls was even worse, closer to 69%. Recent studies conducted also found that over 70% of Indian women are estimated to suffer from some form of a gynecological disorder, which remains undiagnosed and untreated. 

A broad understanding shows the persistent gaps in access for reproductive and maternal health care, lower-income groups and socially marginalized populations are less likely to experience access to maternal and reproductive care. 

Understanding this dire reality, the Gujarat Gynecological Network was created. The initiative began with a comprehensive health assessment conducted among different districts of Gujarat to identify common gynecological challenges faced by women. This research showed us that most women from the region lack critical access to regular check-ups and lack the basic understanding of early symptoms of gynecological conditions.