8 essential preventive health checkups for Indian women

Women’s History Month: Unequal healthcare for women isn’t just a women’s issue. It weakens our communities, workplaces, and the fabric of society as a whole. According to a World Economic Forum and McKinsey Health Institute report in 2024, despite living longer than men on average, women spend 25 per cent more of their lives in poor health. Even in India, only 37 per cent of women have access to quality healthcare compared to 67 per cent of men, as per a study conducted by AIIMS, the Indian Statistical Institute, Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council, and Harvard University.

Experts attribute this disparity to factors like ignorance, limited decision-making power regarding health, and restricted access to healthcare. To bridge this gap and improve women’s health outcomes, prioritising preventive health checkups and specialised tests becomes crucial, Dr Sohini Sengupta, medical laboratory director at Redcliffe Labs, tells indianexpress.com.

Why are preventive tests so important?

*Early detection: These tests can detect potential health issues like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease in their early stages, allowing for prompt treatment and better long-term health.

*Disease prevention: By identifying risk factors early, women can take proactive steps to prevent the development or progression of these conditions.

*Maintaining good health: Regular screenings provide valuable information about overall health, enabling women to make informed decisions about their well-being.

*Risk reduction: Tests like mammograms and Pap smears can significantly reduce the risk of developing certain cancers through early detection and treatment.

*Empowerment: Preventive healthcare empowers women to take control of their health and actively participate in healthcare decisions.

Here are the essential preventive health tests for women

How preventive care can improve women’s health in India. (Source: Freepik)

Blood glucose and HbA1c tests: With over 8.2 million affected women in India aged 15 to 49, monitoring blood glucose levels is crucial for the early detection and management of diabetes or prediabetes, offering better long-term health outcomes.

Lipid profile assessments: Amid rising junk food consumption and sedentary lifestyles, lipid profile tests help identify individuals at risk of heart disease, enabling timely interventions to mitigate potential risks, even among younger populations.

Iron studies: With more than 52 per cent of Indian women affected by iron deficiency, iron studies tests are vital for evaluating iron levels, ensuring optimal organ function, and overall health.

Serum calcium and vitamin D tests: Assessing nutrient levels critical for bone health and early identification of deficiencies can prevent osteoporosis and other bone disorders, promoting stronger bones and reducing fracture risks.

Thyroid profile test: Given its prevalence among 11.2 per cent of Indian women, timely thyroid screenings are essential for detecting thyroid-related disorders early, impacting metabolism and overall health.

Complete blood count (CBC): Providing insights into red and white blood cells and platelet counts, CBC tests aid in diagnosing infections, anemia, and other blood-related conditions, facilitating timely interventions for overall well-being.

HsTroponin I: As sensitive markers for cardiac muscle damage, Troponin tests play a vital role in preventing adverse cardiac events, enabling risk stratification and early intervention in cardiac health management.

Cervical cancer screening: As the second most prevalent cancer among Indian women, regular cervical cancer screenings, including Pap smear and HPV testing, are essential for early detection and treatment, significantly reducing cervical cancer-related mortality.

“Preventive health tests for women are not just about detection; they are about empowerment. By prioritising regular screenings, we empower women to take control of their health journey and pave the way for a healthier future,” Dr Sengupta concludes.

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