MediBuddy, recently released data indicating that men have taken more health check-ups than women in the last six months. The statistics showed that men accounted for 60% of the total health check-ups done by the digital healthcare platform, while women only accounted for 40%. Additionally, there was a 10% difference in total doctor consultations, with more men seeking consultations than women. This data comes to light as we celebrate International Women’s Day this week and highlights the need to raise awareness about women’s health in India.
Traditionally, Indian women have prioritised the well-being of their loved ones over their own, leading to neglect of their health. The female body undergoes constant changes and requires monitoring at every stage, but many women have relied on home remedies or ignored health complications, leading to a rise in health emergencies.
Social conditioning, stigma, and lack of knowledge about menstruation and reproductive health have also deterred women from seeking healthcare. Additionally, women’s multiple roles as daughters, wives, mothers, and professionals often leave them with limited time for self-care. The emergence of digital consultations offers women an opportunity to overcome these barriers and more openly discuss their health concerns.
The data has brought forward the underlying concern of neglect of healthcare by women in the nation and highlights the lack of awareness both in the metros and the Tier II and III centres. Among the metros, Bengaluru tops the list with 25%of women taking health check-ups followed by Delhi at 15%and Hyderabad at 10%. Other prominent metros like Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai lag in women’s participation in health consultations and check-ups. Women sought the highest number of consultations in categories such as Gynaecology, Dermatology, Pregnancy-related issues, Orthopaedics, and general check-ups.
Dr. Gowri Kulkarni, Head of Medical Operations, MediBuddy said, “Today women are at par with men in every walk of life, however, women are trailing where healthcare is concerned. Culturally, women with their varied roles in a family set up be it as a daughter or a wife or mother tend to prioritise the well-being and health of their family over themselves.
The recent data underlines the urgency of promoting awareness of good health among women. Women with their varied responsibilities managing home and work tend to feel pressed for time and may not actively reach out for consultations or health checks.
However, Teleconsultations can make it easy for women to seek help and manage their health better. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, it is befitting to encourage the women in our lives to seek regular advice from health experts and not wait for serious emergencies.”
