Menstrual Health & Hygiene Special focus: Cervical Cancer

ASSOCHAM, Goa State Development Council in association with National Health Mission & Directorate of Health Services, Govt of Goa and supported by Victor Hospital as Healthcare partner and Colorcon Asia pvt company as the Industry Partner, organised awareness program on Menstrual Health & Hygiene, special focus on Cervical Cancer at Panjim – Goa on 30th May 2024 with an objective to create interactive forum aiming to spread awareness, promote holistic approach to the women heath, deliberate on addressing healthcare needs by providing expert medical guidance for empowering women increasing their participation in contributing economic development of the country.

Dr. Mohanrao Dessai, CMO NCDC – Directorate of Health Services, Govt of Goa, Dr. Geeta Patki, HOD Gynaecologist at Gomantak Ayurved Mahavidyalaya and Dr. Avinash Anand, Surgical Oncologist at Victor Hospital, Goa – India was invited as the guest speakers.

Smt. Pallavi Salgaocar, Chairperson Empowerment of ASSOCHAM Goa Council, while welcoming the women stakeholders said that menstrual health is a significant public health concern in our country but remains unaddressed due to the stigma attached to it and we need to make available access to affordable mental products, good sanitation facilities and educate about hygienic practices. Cervical cancer can be prevented by creating awareness, screening, and vaccinations.

The purpose of this program was to educate our communities and ensure that every woman has the knowledge and resources she needs to maintain her health and dignity join the movement for a #periodfriendlyworld.

Dr. Mohanrao Dessai, CMO NCDC – Directorate of Health Services, Govt of Goa highlighted various initiatives department undertakes at schools and Anganwadi level for menstrual health and Hygiene training for proper use, and disposal of sanitary napkins.

Under menstrual Hygiene scheme programme of Rastriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram, the department has implemented in state from June 2023 onwards as pilot project in the rural areas of Pernem, Sattari, Canacona and Sanguem total 20 schools have benefited with free distribution of sanitary napkins.

He also mentioned the various screening test camps department is undertaking at many locations across Goa.

Dr. Geeta Patki, HOD Gynaecologist at Gomantak Ayurved Mahavidyalaya in her address explained the significance of adopting holistic approach for healthy diets and lifestyle changes during menstrual cycles. She highlighted in details principles behind Rajaswala, Paricharya and its application in today’s lifestyle. Addressing the questions of women audiences she explained in detials stages of menstrual cycles and code of conduct to be followed for healthy life.

Dr. Avinash Anand, Surgical Oncologist at Victor Hospital, Goa focused on the topic of risk, causes and prevention of cervical cancer. He said that India contributes to 25 % of cancer cases to the world and hence the cancer cases in India was estimated to be 13.9 lakhs in 2020, may rise to 15.7 lakh by 2025.

HPV (Human papillomavirus) is common virus that infects teen and adults and 80% of people witness HPV infection in their lifetime. He highlighted and recommended the various kinds of screening demonstrated in detials the signs and symptoms of cervical cancer and focused on prevention and treatment.

Dr. Jaanavi Prabhudessai, founder Hrushived hosted the program and Smt. Gouri Joshi founder BhaWeWa offered vote of thanks. Also, present Smt. Sweta Chari founder of Tarang as part of Empowerment committee of ASSOCHAM Goa council.

(This story has been published from a syndicated feed.)