As we approach the upcoming budget, I would like to bring attention to an urgent issue affecting millions of women across the country - Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Affecting nearly one in five women, PCOS leads to a range of health complications such as infertility, irregular periods, diabetes, and hypertension, and can even result in uterine cancer if left untreated. To address this, I strongly urge the government to establish preventive PCOS clinics for early detection and intervention, promote awareness in schools and colleges, and introduce preconception care for women planning to conceive. Additionally, we must focus on providing affordable care to underprivileged women who remain unaware of the risks. By prioritizing these steps, we can significantly reduce the long-term health burden of PCOS and improve the quality of life for women across India.
As a member of the C-20 of the G-20, I have also recommended to the government the need to make one hour of physical exercise compulsory in schools daily, and to stop serving unhealthy food in school canteens. These measures are essential to prevent the rising obesity levels in our country, which are a significant contributor to the onset of PCOS. With children spending increasing amounts of time on iPads and phones, studying on computers, and attending extra classes for academic scores, coupled with poor dietary habits, obesity has become a common outcome. PCOS and obesity together present a double challenge for our health, and we must act to address both issues