The nationwide “Preserve the Uterus” campaign was started in April 2022 to educate medical professionals about non-surgical approaches to treating uterine diseases that result in severe menstrual flow, making hysterectomy the absolute last resort. A panel discussion was organized this year at the All India Congress of Obstetrics and Gynecology (AICOG) to explore needless hysterectomies, their avoidance, and the effects they have on women’s health.

Renowned experts such as Dr. Hrishikesh Pai, Dr. Madhuri Patel, Dr. Alka Pandey, Dr. Rakhi Singh, Dr. Prerna Keshan along with Mr. Manoj Saxena, Managing Director – Bayer Zydus Pharma participated in the panel discussion which was moderated by Dr. Kalyan Barmade.

Koneenica Banerjee graced the event and shared her opinions on the topic.

The goal of this panel was to continue the conversation regarding preventing needless hysterectomies in India and to familiarise AICOG attendees with the “Preserve the Uterus” campaign.

The event’s goal, according to doctors who spoke about it, is to highlight the most common gynecological and obstetric conditions that affect women in India and for whom hysterectomy is advised and to discuss contemporary therapeutic techniques. In India, more hysterectomies are performed on a yearly basis than the average for the world. It is alarming that the median age for treatment in India is 34 years, which is significantly lower than the global average. The ‘Preserve the Uterus’ campaign at AICOG is pleased to bring attention to this issue and address the issue of unnecessary hysterectomies.

In collaboration with the world’s largest pharmaceutical company, Bayer, the Federation of Obstetric and Gynecological Societies of India (FOGSI) and the Integrated Health & Wellbeing (IHW) Council are launching the “Preserve the Uterus” campaign. To raise awareness about the detrimental effects of needless hysterectomies and on contemporary methods of managing heavy menstrual bleeding, it involves educational activities, sensitization campaigns, and skill-upping seminars for medical professionals around the nation. The campaign also seeks to improve the political climate so that it may be addressed. In states where the prevalence is known to be high, partnerships and discussions are being held with various state governments and their health authorities to address the issue.

Young age hysterectomy is linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and osteoporosis. It also has an impact on women’s mental health. As a long-term fix for menstruation issues, hysterectomies are frequently advised in India for disorders that can be treated conservatively. Inadequate gynecological care, incorrect insurance utilization, the practical challenges of living with menstruation issues, and a lack of career prospects for menstruating women are other causes of needless hysterectomies.

Renowned experts such as Dr. Hrishikesh Pai, Dr. Madhuri Patel, Dr. Bhaskar Pal, Dr. Basab Mukherjee, and Dr.Dibyendu Banerjee participated in the panel discussion which had national convenors Dr. Rachna Dubey, Dr. Meena, Dr. Indrani Roy, Dr. Shehla Jamal. The purpose of this panel was to familiarize AICOG participants with the ‘Save the Girl Child’ campaign and to continue the dialogue to prevent unnecessary death of children just for being female.