Gynaecology doctors' body to help strengthen healthcare in N-E

With delivery of healthcare services relatively poor in the northeastern region, the Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India (FOGSI), the apex body of obstetricians and gynecologists in the country, has come forward to help strengthen them in the seven states. The organisation has rolled out a programme called 'YUVA - Towards Tomorrow (YTT)' - which would be aimed at strengthening the delivery system by providing superior technical training to young gynaecologists from all the seven northeastern states on various aspects of women's health.

Addressing a press conference in Guwahati, Dr Hema Divakar, president of FOGSI said: "YTT will be the beacon light for improving effective healthcare delivery for pregnant women in northeastern states. The YTT series of programmes will enhance technical skill development and prepare young doctors for future challenges. Young people need models, not critics. I urge the senior members to contribute to the learning process of the youth leaders of tomorrow."

As a first step in this direction, the FOGSI has organised a three-day conclave in Guwahati, from April 05 to April 07, to provide technical training and technologically update young gynaecologists on ultrasonography, laparoscopic surgery, infertility, preventive oncology, and other important aspects of obstetrics and gynaecology.

India registers 27 million deliveries every year, however, the number of gynaecologists in the country is just 30,000. In addition, only 500 young gynaecologists are added to the talent pool each year. "It is not necessary that every delivery has to be assisted by gynaecologists, as the frontline health-workers, staff nurses and medical officers should be capable of handling the situation. But intervention by specialists is mandated only in times of complications. Our objective is to update the obstetricians and gynaecologists on preventive measures, early recognition of complications and swift protocol based action at the time of crisis.

The deliberations at this Congress would ensure that they are well-prepared with the basics and would handle the complicated situations," Dr Divakar said.

Through a nationwide initiative, the FOGSI chose to launch the YTT program from Guwahati because the health indicators in the northeastern region are poor. Compared to the rest of the country, the health care delivery is not up to the mark in all the seven northeastern states because of various reasons, such as, geographical terrain, inadequate access to health care systems and other local inherent problems.

"We have identified such gaps in health care delivery in the northeastern region. The FOGSI is contributing its part to strengthen the system with the active support of the local associations of obstetricians and gynaecologists. Going forward, we will set up FOGSI SKILL GURUKOOL at the Medical College in Guwahati," Dr Divakar added.