ICMR Launches EndoCare to Combat Silent Suffering

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has introduced EndoCare India, a pioneering multidisciplinary care model aimed at enhancing endometriosis treatment and management within public healthcare settings. This initiative seeks to address the multifaceted needs of approximately 40 million Indian women and girls affected by this often debilitating condition, which can cause severe pain and infertility.

The integrated model brings together gynecologists, pain specialists, psychologists, and fertility experts. It is designed for scalability within the public sector, with initial pilot programs at select ICMR sites. The goal is to reduce infertility rates, which affect 30-50% of endometriosis cases, and alleviate the associated mental health burdens through holistic care.

Recognizing the cultural stigma and lack of awareness contributing to diagnostic delays often spanning seven to 10 years, EndoCare India emphasizes early detection. The success of this model relies on implementation strategies, potentially leveraging states like Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, and digital tools like ICMR's telehealth platforms to connect primary care with specialized hubs.

Further public health responses are crucial, including increased research funding, community awareness campaigns, and integrating endometriosis into national health programs. Developing standardized screening guidelines for frontline healthcare workers and robust referral systems are key to timely diagnosis and effective treatment, ultimately improving the lives of countless women.