At the same time, increasing awareness, advancements in medical technology, and targeted interventions are creating opportunities for better healthcare access and outcomes.
On the occasion of International Women’s Day, Medical Dialogues speaks with [President – IRF, Lupin Limited] to explore the pressing health concerns of young women in today’s generation, the complexities of improving women’s healthcare, and how Lupin is leveraging innovation and technology to make a meaningful impact.
From preventive strategies to digital healthcare solutions, this insightful discussion sheds light on Lupin’s commitment to enhancing women’s health and well-being.
The health of young women in
India today is shaped by a complex interplay of socioeconomic, cultural,
health-related, and lifestyle factors. Gender inequality, early marriage, and
societal stigmas surrounding reproductive and mental health further compound
these challenges. Consequently, young women face a higher risk of anaemia,
malnutrition, and infectious diseases, alongside a growing burden of
non-communicable diseases such as obesity and diabetes, exacerbated by
sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy dietary choices. These challenges can vary significantly across different
socioeconomic groups and geographical regions.
The current situation
underscores the urgent need for comprehensive and integrated interventions that
address these challenges, keeping in mind the intersectional nature of these
challenges and the variations across different age groups and regions.
The silver lining is that young women today are more aware
and open to discussing these health issues, which, combined with advancing
medical technology and growing healthcare access, provides opportunities for better
health outcomes. By
recognizing the unique health needs of young women in India and implementing
targeted interventions, we can create a future where all young women have the
opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential, contributing to a
healthier and more vibrant society.
At Lupin, we focus on preventive healthcare and early
intervention, supported by technology and data-driven insights. Our programs empower
women through awareness, diagnosis and caregiving. Additionally, our Diversity,
Equity and Inclusion (DEI) programs provide opportunities to women employees
for networking,
sharing ideas, and driving growth, support, and well-being initiatives.
2. What
are the complexities and opportunities for actions to enhance the health,
well-being, and overall quality of life of women today?
Women make up half of the world’s population. Yet, about 47% of women in
low-income countries still face significant barriers to healthcare access.
Indian women face significant health burdens from conditions like anaemia,
cardiovascular diseases, cervical cancer, and mental health disorders, despite
the availability of effective prevention and treatment strategies. Women in
India often juggle work and family responsibilities while facing specific
health challenges. Additionally, there is lack of health awareness among women. Many women are not
fully informed about their health risks, preventive measures, and treatment
options.
While there are
complexities in addressing women’s health issues, there are also significant
opportunities to make a positive impact. Specialized health insurance is essential to address issues like stress,
heart health, cancer and reproductive health. By investing in education and
awareness programs and developing innovative treatments for women-specific
conditions, we can enhance the health, well-being, and overall quality of life
of women today.
3. This
year’s IWD theme, “Accelerate Action,” is highly relevant. In that
context, could you share Lupin’s overarching vision and efforts toward
enhancing women’s health?
According to a report by the World Health
Organization, women face numerous health challenges throughout their lives,
including maternal health issues, reproductive health concerns, and
non-communicable diseases.
Alarmingly, cardiovascular diseases, which have been
identified as a man’s disease, are now also the leading cause of death among
women globally. In India, this accounts for 40% of all female deaths due to cardiovascular
diseases. Despite advancements,
women continue to face disparities, necessitating immediate attention to
gender-specific risk factors and formulating effective strategies for the
prevention and treatment of heart diseases.
As the world celebrates International Women’s Day, it
is paramount to delve into the intricacies of women’s health, challenge
entrenched stereotypes, and promote gender-specific prevention and treatment. We
believe that accelerating action towards women’s health is not just a business
imperative, but a moral obligation. Lupin will continue to leverage its
expertise, resources, and partnerships to create a world where every woman has
access to the healthcare, needed for a healthy and fulfilling life.
4. Lupin
has been one of the earliest adopters of leveraging technology among
pharmaceutical organizations to improve clinical and patient care outcomes
among women. Would you like to throw some light in this direction?
Lupin’s commitment to women’s health is holistic. We
are actively leveraging technology to revolutionize clinical outcomes and
patient care. Recognizing the transformative potential of digital solutions
early on, we have strategically integrated technology across our operations,
with a particular focus on empowering women to take control of their health.
For instance, our patient support program, Nova
Shakti, exemplifies this approach. We are also leveraging digital platforms to
deliver tailored information, track progress, and foster a supportive
community, ultimately driving better adherence and improved outcomes.
But technology is just a tool.
What truly sets Lupin apart is our human-centric approach. We’re not just
collecting data; we’re using it to understand the unique needs of women and
develop solutions that are both effective and accessible. Our early adoption of
technology has been a game-changer, enabling us to enhance our capabilities,
forge strategic collaborations, and ultimately, create a more impactful and
sustainable approach to women’s health.
As we move forward, we remain
steadfast in our commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation and
harnessing the power of technology to create a healthier future for women
everywhere.
5. Lupin
has made huge strides in the diagnostics space which is critical for early
screening and prevention. How are these steps going to help elevate and address
women’s health issues?
Accurate and timely diagnosis is the cornerstone of
effective healthcare, particularly when addressing the complex and often
nuanced health needs of women. Lupin recognizes this critical link, and we’ve
made significant strides in the diagnostics space to empower women with the
knowledge and tools they need to take control of their health.
Our expansion into diagnostics is strategically
designed to address key challenges in women’s health, including early detection
of cancer, reproductive health, personalized treatment strategies and
increasing access to care. By combining our expertise in
pharmaceuticals with our growing capabilities in diagnostics, we’re creating a
holistic ecosystem that supports women throughout their healthcare journey.
This process moves from early screening to prevention, leading to diagnosis, taking
up treatment, and finally ongoing management. We believe that this integrated
approach is essential for elevating women’s health and creating a healthier
future for all.
6. What take-home message would you like to share with
all healthcare stakeholders to inspire health and happiness among women
worldwide?
This Women’s Day let’s not
just celebrate progress, but also inspire action.
Promoting health and happiness
among women worldwide should be a top priority for all healthcare stakeholders.
It is our collective responsibility to ensure that women have access to quality
healthcare services, education, and support systems that enable them to lead
healthy and fulfilling lives.
When women thrive, families,
communities, and entire nations benefit. By working together to create a world
where every woman has the opportunity to live a healthy and fulfilling life, we
can unlock the full potential of half the world’s population and build a
brighter future for all.
