New FOGSI president unveils initiatives to transform women’s healthcare in India

Dr Sunita Tandulwadkar, the 63rd president of FOGSI

Dr Sunita Tandulwadkar, an infertility specialist, endoscopic surgeon and gynaecologist, was formally installed as the 63rd President of the Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India (FOGSI) during the 67th All India Congress of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (AICOG 2025) at Jio World Convention Centre on Wednesday.

"It is both an honour and a responsibility to lead an organisation as influential as FOGSI, which represents over 46,000 obstetricians and gynaecologists across 277 societies in India," said Dr Tandulwadkar.

Through this role, she aims to address critical challenges in women's health and advance healthcare accessibility, education and preventive care across India.

Key health challenges faced by women in India

Some key challenges in women's healthcare in the country that need to be addressed on priority include:

Maternal health and mortality: Despite progress, India still faces a high maternal mortality rate. Lack of awareness about preconception care and inadequate antenatal checkups are major contributing factors.

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs): Women in India are increasingly at risk of chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and anaemia. Unawareness, poor lifestyle habits and limited access to healthcare exacerbate these issues.

Cervical cancer: According to a 2022 report by Global Cancer Observatory, cervical cancer is the second most common type of cancer among women in India. This is largely due to limited awareness about preventive measures like HPV vaccination.

Access to healthcare: Rural and underserved communities often lack access to quality healthcare services, with a significant number of women not having regular check-ups or timely treatment for conditions like PCOS, fibroids and reproductive health issues.

Reproductive health awareness: Many women lack access to basic education on reproductive health, often leading to late diagnoses of conditions such as endometriosis, ovarian cysts and infertility.

Initiatives to address challenges in women's healthcare

Revealing initiatives for addressing the above challenges and improving women's healthcare in the country, Dr Tandulwadkar said, "This presidency provides an unparalleled opportunity to launch initiatives that empower women with knowledge and resources, ensuring healthier lives and stronger communities. Through programs like Sampoorna: Swastha Janma Abhiyan, Know Your Numbers and Do Teeke Zindagi Ke, we aim to create lasting change by prioritising proactive health management and early interventions."

Sampoorna: Swastha Janma Abhiyan

This nationwide campaign emphasises the importance of preconception care to improve pregnancy outcomes and reduce maternal and neonatal mortality.

Expected impact: Over 1 million women will benefit from health camps and educational drives to promote planned pregnancies. By addressing health literacy and raising awareness about managing five key health indicators - weight, blood pressure, hemoglobin levels, blood sugar and thyroid function - this initiative is expected to reduce maternal mortality rates by 20 per cent in participating regions and improve neonatal health outcomes across the country.

Know Your Numbers

This health data collection initiative aims to gather vital statistics, including weight, blood pressure, hemoglobin and HbA1C levels, from over one million women across India.

Expected impact: By identifying early signs of chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension and anaemia, this program is projected to reduce preventable health complications in 10 lakh women annually. The initiative will also provide valuable epidemiological insights, helping policymakers design targeted interventions tailored to the needs of diverse populations across India's urban and rural landscapes.

Do Teeke Zindagi Ke

This large-scale project aims to combat cervical cancer by increasing awareness about screening and HPV vaccination.

Expected impact: With plans to reach 5 million women and girls through vaccination awareness campaigns, this initiative aims to increase HPV vaccination rates by 30 per cent in key regions over the next year. By prioritising education and accessibility, the program seeks to significantly lower cervical cancer incidence, ensuring a safer future for women nationwide.