by Suman Gupta
Mumbai, 8th January 2025 : Dr. Sunita Tandulwadkar, an internationally acclaimed infertility specialist, endoscopic surgeon, and gynecologist, was formally installed as the 63rd President of the Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India (FOGSI) in a historic moment during the 67th All India Congress of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (AICOG 2025) at the Jio World Convention Centre.
Dr. Tandulwadkar takes on this prestigious role with a steadfast commitment to tackling critical challenges in women’s health and advancing healthcare accessibility, education, and preventive care across India.
“It is both an honor and a responsibility to lead an organization as influential as FOGSI, which represents over 46,000 obstetricians and gynecologists across 277 societies in India,” said Dr. Tandulwadkar. “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 prioritizing proactive health management and early interventions.”
Key Challenges Faced by Women in India
India continues to witness significant challenges in women’s health, which must be addressed on priority:
Maternal Health and Mortality: Despite progress, India still faces a high maternal mortality rate. Lack of awareness about pre-conceptional 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 anemia. Unawareness, poor lifestyle habits, and limited access to healthcare exacerbate these issues.
Cervical Cancer: India has one of the highest rates of cervical cancer globally, 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 checkups 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.
Dr. Tandulwadkar’s initiatives address these challenges head-on, ensuring that women across India not only have access to vital health services but are empowered to take charge of their own health.
Visionary Initiatives Announced Under Dr. Tandulwadkar’s Leadership
1. Sampoorna: Swastha Janma Abhiyan
This nationwide campaign emphasizes the importance of pre-conceptional care to improve pregnancy outcomes and reduce maternal and neonatal mortality.
On-the-Ground 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% in participating regions and improve neonatal health outcomes across the country.
2. Know Your Numbers
A transformative health data collection initiative, Know Your Numbers aims to gather vital statistics, including weight, blood pressure, hemoglobin, and HbA1C levels, from over one million women across India.
On-the-Ground Impact: By identifying early signs of chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and anemia, 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.
3. Do Teeke Zindagi Ke
Large scale project aimed at combating cervical cancer by increasing awareness about screening and HPV vaccination
On-the-Ground Impact: With plans to reach 5 million women and girls through vaccination awareness campaigns, this initiative aims to increase HPV vaccination rates by 30% in key regions over the next year. By prioritizing education and accessibility, the program seeks to significantly lower cervical cancer incidence, ensuring a safer future for women nationwide.
About FOGSI and AICOG 2025 :FOGSI, representing over 46,000 obstetricians and gynecologists across India, is dedicated to enhancing women’s health through advocacy, education, and research. The ongoing AICOG 2025 conference serves as a vital platform for healthcare professionals and policymakers to share knowledge, discuss advancements, and foster collaborations in obstetrics and gynecology.
Dr. Sunita Tandulwadkar’s presidency marks a new chapter in FOGSI’s illustrious history. Her visionary initiatives aim to address pressing healthcare challenges, empower women, and build a healthier, more inclusive future for generations to come.
