CHENNAI: Anaemia, pregnancy risks, menopausal health and heart disease at functions across the city, held ahead of International Day for Women,
doctors focused on investing in women's health as prescribed by World Health Organization.
At a function organised by Merck, Dr Jaishree Gajaraj, consultant obstetrician gynaecologist, Apollo Speciality Hospitals, said iron deficiency in women was a cause for concern. A recent survey by National Family Health Survey 3 showed that more than 50% women in Tamil Nadu suffer from iron deficiency. "More than half of adolescent girls are anaemic," she said.
Senior cardiologist Dr G Sengottuvelu said cardiovascular disease is the leading killer in women. "Women with diabetes are two to three times more likely to have heart attacks. High blood pressure is also common among women taking oral contraceptives," he said.
World Vision organised a seminar to stress that men should assume equal responsibility in providing HIV/AIDS care. "When a couple is infected, the woman is doubly disadvantaged as she has to provide care though she is sick," said Karoline Davis of World Vision.
At the police hospital, director general of police KP Jain inaugurated a dental, hepatitis B and C screening and counseling camp for women staff. The dental camp will open to women prisoners of Puzhal. The 990 women prisoners across the state will get a special lunch that includes fried rice and a sweet on Sunday.