A Comprehensive and Woman-Focused Preventive Healthcare Model is Needed: Nari Shakti 3.0
The Nari Shakti 3.0 conference calls for a shift from simple screening to a comprehensive preventive healthcare model for women in India.
The two-day national conference, Nari Shakti 3.0, concluded in New Delhi with a powerful call to action: India must move beyond mere awareness and periodic screening to establish a robust, continuous, and woman-focused preventive healthcare model.
Organized by the Mediways Health Foundation at The Leela Palace, the conference was themed “Women’s Preventive Healthcare: Intelligent Systems & National Action for Viksit Bharat.” The event brought together leaders from healthcare, governance, technology, and public policy to discuss building healthcare systems that support women through every stage of their lives.
Empowering Nations Through Women's Health
The conference was inaugurated by Smt. Vijaya K. Rahatkar, Chairperson of the National Commission for Women. During her opening remarks, she highlighted that women's health is a cornerstone of India's development. She emphasized that placing women at the center of healthcare empowers not just the individual, but their families and the entire nation.
“Prevention is not only about screening,” Rahatkar stated. “Awareness needs to be linked to early diagnosis, proper referrals, treatment, and follow-ups. Every single woman should get access to the healthcare system with dignity and confidence.”
The inauguration also saw the presence of distinguished guests, including Shri Kishor Makwana, Chairman of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes; former Member of Parliament Smt. Sunita Duggal; and Padma Shri awardees Nalini Asthana and Kamalini Asthana.
Focus on Early Detection and Cancer Prevention
A primary focus of the discussions was the early diagnosis and prevention of cancer. Prof. (Dr.) Goura Kishor Rath, a renowned radiation oncologist and former Head of the National Cancer Institute at AIIMS, New Delhi, stressed that prevention must begin even before a disease takes hold. He specifically highlighted the importance of HPV vaccination and proactive screening.
During the session titled 'Strengthening Early Detection Pathways,' chaired by Dr. Prakhar Singh, experts analyzed the critical journey from initial screening to diagnosis, referral, treatment, and post-treatment management. The panel also underscored the vital roles of lifestyle, nutrition, and awareness in preventing illness.
Institutional Policy and Workplace Wellness
The conference delved into how organizations can play a role in women's health through the session 'Prevention as Institutional Policy.' Experts discussed how workplaces can create environments that support women through various life stages, including menstruation, pregnancy, menopause, and parenthood.
Key takeaways from this discussion included:
- Workplace health programs should go beyond simple screening camps.
- Organizations must provide flexibility, timely consultation, and proper referral systems.
- Continuous follow-up care is essential for a truly effective preventive program.
Moving Beyond Health Camps via CSR
A significant portion of the deliberations focused on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Experts argued for a shift from temporary health camps to long-term, need-based health programs.
Dr. Bhavani Nair suggested that CSR initiatives should integrate awareness, consultation, and treatment with screening. Aditya Mishra added that a "continuum of prevention, diagnosis, and care" must be established to be effective. Furthermore, Ritesh Sinha pointed out that critical issues such as anaemia, malnutrition, mental health, and menstrual health require dedicated, long-term project-based interventions.
The second day of the conference transitioned into the role of technology, AI, and their impact on the public health system, looking toward the future of intelligent healthcare delivery.