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India's Midlife Health: A Growing Invisible Crisis
6 Mar
Summary
- Maternal mortality ratio significantly reduced since 2000.
- Midlife women face higher chronic disease rates than men.
- Medical research and products often overlook female biology.
India's public health achievements include a significant reduction in maternal mortality, from 362 to approximately 80 per 100,000 live births by 2023. Initiatives like the National Health Mission have improved institutional deliveries and care.
However, the health concerns of women in midlife, such as autoimmune conditions and increased cardiovascular risk, receive inadequate attention. This is compounded by medical research and product design often defaulting to male biological norms, leading to delayed diagnoses.
As non-communicable diseases rise, women in their 30s and 40s report higher rates of chronic conditions like hypertension and thyroid disorders. Addressing these 'invisible' aspects of women's health necessitates a life-course approach, expanding health services to encompass chronic disease prevention and management.
Recent efforts include population-based screenings for breast and cervical cancers. Strengthening these programs with sufficient resources and capacity is crucial. Furthermore, fostering innovation in medical devices and pharmaceuticals tailored to women's health needs is an opportunity to address long-standing research gaps.
