Page 34 - mediscene nov19

MEDI SCENE
To destigmatize and prioritise!

Dr. Rujvee P. Patel
A sanitary pad dispenser at an airport restroom in India is certainly a sight to behold. From
witnessing menstruation (and/or any other aspect of sexual and reproductive health) as a taboo

to being able to witness these being prioritized as vital components of healthcare, we surely
have come a long way as a community and a long way still remains to be journeyed.
How magnificent it would be to see healthcare as a whole being available without parts of it
being stigmatized. As normal and natural as it is, it should be considered and given the care and
attention it requires and deserves: yes, our reproductive health. There still remains evident
stigma associated with Sexual and Reproductive Health – SRH. SRH can be defined as “state of
complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or

infirmity, in all matters relating to the reproductive system, and to its functions and processes”.
SRH implies a wide range of health issues, including family planning; maternal and newborn
health care; prevention, diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs),
including HIV; adolescent SRH; cervical cancer screening; infertility prevention and
management. These services aim at preventing poor SRH, such as complications of pregnancy
and childbirth, unintended pregnancies, unsafe abortions, complications caused by STIs, sexual
violence and women dying from avoidable cancer. Sexual and Reproductive Health is an integral
part of overall health, well-being and quality of life.

While SRH is an umbrella term which not only has physical or bodily considerations but also
implies the related mental, social and moral dimensions; the associated stigma and
discrimination does interfere with the well being of an individual as well as the population as a
whole. The persistent discrimination against women and girls, and an unwillingness to address
issues related to sexuality openly and comprehensively are only some of the causes that overall
impact the delivery of SRH at various levels of healthcare systems, and most and many of these
are being tackled competently overall.

The number of government and non government organisations working on SRH issues and the
stigma associated in focus today and their substantial tangible impact is enough proof that a
wave of change has begun and today’s healthcare professionals are not only aware but also
sensitive towards and dedicated to deliver inclusive healthcare with a holistic approach. This
productive integration of individuals and systems coming together to ensure efficient delivery of
SRH is a ray of hope.

To prioritizing Sexual and Reproductive Health, cheers!

November-2019ember-2019
Vol. : 18 - Issue : 1ol. : 18 - Issue : 1 31 Nov
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