Revisiting Women Healthcare in Post -Covid World

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The COVID-19 pandemic serves as an unexpected reminder of how important health is to people, society, and the global economy. Vaccines, medicines, sanitation, and nutrition, among other things, have saved millions of lives and served as an important driver of change for economic development especially in a developing nation like India.

Health has rarely been mentioned in discussions about economic development, especially in developing countries. However, now a number of trends indicate that health will become more important for growth in the coming decades.

Better Women health promotes economic growth by expanding the labour force, creating more employment opportunities by boosting productivity while also delivering immense social benefits.

While India has made rapid strides in Health outcomes over recent decades; these outcomes have not kept pace with economic development over the same period. The nation showed significant declines in infant mortality, maternal mortality, and total fertility rates, however, the inter-state variation in achievements remains a matter of concern.

Schemes launched by Government

Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakaram- This scheme is estimated to benefit pregnant women who access Government health facilities for their delivery. The scheme was launched to eliminate out-of-pocket expenses for both pregnant women and sick infants.

Pradhan Mantri Matritva Vandana Yojana- It is a conditional transfer scheme for both pregnant and lactating women of 19 years of age and above for 1st live births.

Kasturba Poshan Sahay Yojana (KPSY)- In order to facilitate adequate nutrition and rest during pregnancy a cash support to the BPL mothers of Rs. 6000 per pregnant woman is provided under this scheme.

Universalisation Women’s Helpline Scheme-The Scheme of Universalisation of Women Helpline is intended to provide 24 hours immediate and emergency response to women affected by violence through referral (linking with appropriate authority such as police, One Stop Centre, hospital) etc.

Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (ABPMJAY)- The world’s largest health insurance scheme, ABPMJAY was launched to cover ten crore, poor families, in urban and rural areas. It offers an insurance cover of Rs 5 lakh per family.

Sanitease – To promote women’s health and hygiene. This scheme aims to create awareness and provide logistics on sanitary napkins for women and girls, especially in rural and urban schools.

Need of the Hour-Transforming Health care system through innovation

Women stand at the front lines of the COVID-19 crisis, as health care workers, caregivers, innovators, community organizers and as some of the most exemplary and effective national leaders in combating the pandemic. The crisis has highlighted that Innovation in healthcare is complex and constantly changing.
A growing number of companies are now developing new products and services that address childbirth and other related needs. So, technical solutions that address female health needs including diagnostic tools, software, mobile apps, telemedicine and wearable have the potential to fill the void in the data-driven health care sector.

Over the past century, improved Women hygiene, better nutrition, antibiotics, vaccines, and new technologies have contributed to tremendous progress in global health. However, realizing the full potential of the innovation pipeline may require shifting the core areas with more collaborative approaches to R&D.

It is only fair to conclude that women are homemakers in the true sense. Due to lack of information, a lot of women don’t even know what to look for and how to care for their health. On this International Women’s Day it is a time to reflect on progress made, to call for change, and to celebrate acts of courage and determination by Transforming Womens’ Health.