Accelerating Action for Women's Health - Ft Rajeev Sibal, President, IRF, Lupin Limited

The health of young women in India today is shaped by a complex interplay of socioeconomic, cultural, health-related, and lifestyle factors. Gender inequality, early marriage, and societal stigmas surrounding reproductive and mental health further compound these challenges. Consequently, young women face a higher risk of anaemia, malnutrition, and infectious diseases, alongside a growing burden of non-communicable diseases such as obesity and diabetes, exacerbated by sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy dietary choices. These challenges can vary significantly across different socioeconomic groups and geographical regions.

The current situation underscores the urgent need for comprehensive and integrated interventions that address these challenges, keeping in mind the intersectional nature of these challenges and the variations across different age groups and regions.

The silver lining is that young women today are more aware and open to discussing these health issues, which, combined with advancing medical technology and growing healthcare access, provides opportunities for better health outcomes. By recognizing the unique health needs of young women in India and implementing targeted interventions, we can create a future where all young women have the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential, contributing to a healthier and more vibrant society.

At Lupin, we focus on preventive healthcare and early intervention, supported by technology and data-driven insights. Our programs empower women through awareness, diagnosis and caregiving. Additionally, our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) programs provide opportunities to women employees for networking, sharing ideas, and driving growth, support, and well-being initiatives.

2. What are the complexities and opportunities for actions to enhance the health, well-being, and overall quality of life of women today?

Women make up half of the world’s population. Yet, about 47% of women in low-income countries still face significant barriers to healthcare access.

Indian women face significant health burdens from conditions like anaemia, cardiovascular diseases, cervical cancer, and mental health disorders, despite the availability of effective prevention and treatment strategies. Women in India often juggle work and family responsibilities while facing specific health challenges. Additionally, there is lack of health awareness among women. Many women are not fully informed about their health risks, preventive measures, and treatment options.

While there are complexities in addressing women's health issues, there are also significant opportunities to make a positive impact. Specialized health insurance is essential to address issues like stress, heart health, cancer and reproductive health. By investing in education and awareness programs and developing innovative treatments for women-specific conditions, we can enhance the health, well-being, and overall quality of life of women today.

3. This year's IWD theme, "Accelerate Action," is highly relevant. In that context, could you share Lupin's overarching vision and efforts toward enhancing women's health?

According to a report by the World Health Organization, women face numerous health challenges throughout their lives, including maternal health issues, reproductive health concerns, and non-communicable diseases.

Alarmingly, cardiovascular diseases, which have been identified as a man’s disease, are now also the leading cause of death among women globally. In India, this accounts for 40% of all female deaths due to cardiovascular diseases. Despite advancements, women continue to face disparities, necessitating immediate attention to gender-specific risk factors and formulating effective strategies for the prevention and treatment of heart diseases.

As the world celebrates International Women’s Day, it is paramount to delve into the intricacies of women’s health, challenge entrenched stereotypes, and promote gender-specific prevention and treatment. We believe that accelerating action towards women's health is not just a business imperative, but a moral obligation. Lupin will continue to leverage its expertise, resources, and partnerships to create a world where every woman has access to the healthcare, needed for a healthy and fulfilling life.

4. Lupin has been one of the earliest adopters of leveraging technology among pharmaceutical organizations to improve clinical and patient care outcomes among women. Would you like to throw some light in this direction?

Lupin's commitment to women's health is holistic. We are actively leveraging technology to revolutionize clinical outcomes and patient care. Recognizing the transformative potential of digital solutions early on, we have strategically integrated technology across our operations, with a particular focus on empowering women to take control of their health.

For instance, our patient support program, Nova Shakti, exemplifies this approach. We are also leveraging digital platforms to deliver tailored information, track progress, and foster a supportive community, ultimately driving better adherence and improved outcomes.

But technology is just a tool. What truly sets Lupin apart is our human-centric approach. We're not just collecting data; we're using it to understand the unique needs of women and develop solutions that are both effective and accessible. Our early adoption of technology has been a game-changer, enabling us to enhance our capabilities, forge strategic collaborations, and ultimately, create a more impactful and sustainable approach to women's health.

As we move forward, we remain steadfast in our commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation and harnessing the power of technology to create a healthier future for women everywhere.

5. Lupin has made huge strides in the diagnostics space which is critical for early screening and prevention. How are these steps going to help elevate and address women's health issues?

Accurate and timely diagnosis is the cornerstone of effective healthcare, particularly when addressing the complex and often nuanced health needs of women. Lupin recognizes this critical link, and we've made significant strides in the diagnostics space to empower women with the knowledge and tools they need to take control of their health.

Our expansion into diagnostics is strategically designed to address key challenges in women's health, including early detection of cancer, reproductive health, personalized treatment strategies and increasing access to care. By combining our expertise in pharmaceuticals with our growing capabilities in diagnostics, we're creating a holistic ecosystem that supports women throughout their healthcare journey. This process moves from early screening to prevention, leading to diagnosis, taking up treatment, and finally ongoing management. We believe that this integrated approach is essential for elevating women's health and creating a healthier future for all.

6. What take-home message would you like to share with all healthcare stakeholders to inspire health and happiness among women worldwide?

This Women’s Day let's not just celebrate progress, but also inspire action.

Promoting health and happiness among women worldwide should be a top priority for all healthcare stakeholders. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that women have access to quality healthcare services, education, and support systems that enable them to lead healthy and fulfilling lives.

When women thrive, families, communities, and entire nations benefit. By working together to create a world where every woman has the opportunity to live a healthy and fulfilling life, we can unlock the full potential of half the world's population and build a brighter future for all.