FOGSI unveils ‘Vision 2022’ to foster a healthy generation

Bangalore, June 7, 2013:

The Federation of Obstetric & Gynaecological Societies of India (FOGSI), the apex body for all the Obstetricians & Gynaecologists in the country, today unveiled its landmark ‘Vision 2022’, incorporating long-term initiatives aimed at building a healthy generation and ensuring an overall well being of women, including better healthcare services and societal perception.

Commenting on ‘Vision 2022’, FOGSI President Dr. Hema Divakar, said, “A healthy population is vital for the economic health of any nation. About 30% of India’s population is in the adolescent age group of 10-19 years and it is estimated that there are almost 331 million adolescents. They represent a resource for the future. FOGSI has resolved to address major health issues affecting the population of the nation, particularly the womenfolk. The Vision 2022 captures our aspirations and goals to make India a vibrant and healthy nation.”

The FOGSI has adopted a multi-pronged approach to tackle 4 different issues – ABCD – Anaemia among adolescent and pregnant women; Building Contraceptive choices; Cancer Cervix and Diabetes. For instance, while 56% of adolescent girls are Anaemic, tackling the health issue can also reduce the Maternal Mortality Ratio. Cancer cervix has reached an alarming proportion among the Indian population while Diabetes has assumed an epidemic proportion in the country.

“We are bringing into practice a Primary Prevention Model, that is, address the root cause of all these problems through innovations. It involves capacity building of the medical and paramedical staff. We have intensified training for obstetricians, gynaecologists, medical officers, primary health care centre staff and ANMs / Staff Nurses across the nation through various programs. We are also in the process of starting DIP (Diabetes in Pregnancy) clinics with the assistance of specialists,” Dr. Hema added.

Several such initiatives launched by the FOGSI will be strengthened through ‘Vision 2022’. “As part of ‘Vision 2022’, FOGSI aims to emphasise how program and technology innovations can be rapidly adopted and Implemented at scale. FOGSI will discuss the best practices that allow unprecedented impact on women’s health care in India,” said Dr. Harshad Sanghvi, Director & Vice-president, Johns Hopkins Program for International Education in Gynecology and Obstetrics.

At the same time, FOGSI envisions to foster a paradigm shift to ensure that the perception towards women changes. For, without a change in perception towards women and girl child, addressing the macro health problems will remain a challenge.