Women's Health Beyond Pregnancy: Insights from the Times Network India Health Summit 2025

Enhancing Women's Health in India

At the Times Network India Health Summit 2025 – South Edition, a critical dialogue took place during the session titled “Reshaping Women and Child Care in India.” This discussion addressed how to expand women's healthcare focus beyond pregnancy, emphasizing the importance of treating women as whole individuals throughout their life stages.

Health Care Beyond Childbirth

Moderated by Puja Sethi, Managing Editor – Digital Content at Times Network, the panel of healthcare leaders advocated for inclusive, preventive, and continuous care that doesn't just revolve around childbirth. Dr. Pranathi Reddy, Clinical Director of Obstetrics & Gynecology at BirthRight by Rainbow Hospitals emphasized, “Pregnancy should not be the starting point of care—it’s just one moment in a much longer journey.”

Despite significant progress in reducing maternal mortality, Dr. Reddy pointed out that over 35,000 women still die during childbirth in India. She called for a stronger emphasis on antenatal care, early interventions, and long-term health outcomes. Notably, the disparities between southern states with better maternal healthcare and regions like Assam and Rajasthan were highlighted as critical areas requiring urgent attention.

Addressing Broader Women's Health Issues

• Perimenopause and Menopause: Understanding these stages is essential for providing holistic care.
• Cancer awareness and prevention strategies should be integrated into women’s health programs.
• Reproductive health must include education on menarche and access to healthcare resources.
• Neonatal health must be prioritized alongside maternal health services.

This summit marks a pivotal moment in addressing women’s healthcare in India by reflecting on comprehensive strategies that encompass their entire life journey.