Vistas to women's health

A THREE-DAY conference titled "Current Advances in Subfertility and Assisted Reproductive Technology", organised by the Madras Medical Mission, was inaugurated by Justice Prabha Sridevan on August 10. The Institute of Reproductive Medicine and Women's Health headed by Dr. Thankam Varma, which is part of the Madras Medical Mission (MMM), was simultaneously inaugurated.

This new unit is meant to take care of the needs of women at every phase of their lives. The focus of the conference was on the advances in subfertility and assisted reproductive technology which this state-of-the art unit hopes to provide.

Dr. Varma, who has been working on this project for the past 18 months, said in her introductory speech, that she had been waiting for this day since she left the U.K. in 1999. Her long cherished ambition of working for the welfare of the disadvantaged section of the community, particularly women, has been realised, now that this opportunity had been given to her by the Madras Medical Mission. She pointed out the fact that health care for women has never received the importance it should, even in the developed countries. Dr. Varma, as a medical practitioner, strongly feels that it is her duty to improve the quality of life for women, in general.

In this context, the conference would be focussing on the treatment of infertility, as the trauma of childless couples, particularly in conservative societies is well-known. Almost always, the woman has to bear the stigma attached to sterility even when she is perfectly capable of bearing a child. A change in the attitude towards women is imperative. Dr. Varma urged that improved techniques in the management of subfertility need to be implemented and monitored closely for best results. In order to achieve this, a strong clinical base is necessary. Hence she has envisaged a teaching-training programme for young doctors. Doctors need to learn to be compassionate rather than be judgmental in their dealings with patients, who need counselling before routine investigations.

Justice Prabha Sridevan in her inaugural address stressed on the need for total care for women from "womb to tomb'. She commented on the increasing violence against women, rise in female infanticide and malnutrition in the case of female children. She declared that the woman is blamed in all situations and the "woman blaming syndrome" pervades all strata of society. The traditional view of the son being an asset and a daughter, a liability needs to change. Education programmes launched by the state can help in changing these negative attitudes towards women and ensure that they have access to adequate health care. She commended the effort of Dr. Varma in this context.

Dr. Jayanth G. Mehta, Scientific Director, remarked that one in five couples is childless, world over. This situation can be remedied with the aid of advances in assisted reproductive technology. Patients need guidance and counselling by specifically trained medical practitioners.

The vice-president of the MMM, Mr. Eapen recalled the origin of this hospital and how it has grown since 1987. It started with 20 beds and has today become a centre of excellence in the field of cardiovascular diseases. It has now embarked on a project to provide women's health care through the Institute of Reproductive Medicine and Women's Health.

The conference was attended by delegates from the U.K., Australia and Italy. Eminent speakers discussed the prevention and management of sub-fertility, role of ultrasound in the management of sub-fertility, the need for careful assessment, appropriate use of drugs, factors which influence the outcome of assisted reproductive technology and many other related topics.

On the final day the ethical dilemmas one faces while offering ART and the need for a regulatory body to oversee assisted reproductive technologies offered to the lay people were discussed.The conference was meant to be a source of enrichment for those involved in medicine and an eye-opener for the general public. By catering for the emotional and physical well being of women, this unit of reproductive medicine and women's health care in the Madras Medical Mission has embarked on a worthwhile crusade.

PREMA SRINIVASAN

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : Features
Previous : Harmony at home
Next     : Vivid hues of life