New Delhi, May 12: From anaemia and hormonal imbalance to stress, vertigo and delayed cancer screening, experts at this Mother’s Day health dialogue in Lajpat Nagar warned that millions of Indian women continue to neglect early symptoms while prioritising family responsibilities over their own wellbeing.
Organised by Pacific OneHealth Hospital, Lajpat Nagar, the event brought together leading clinicians, wellness experts and mental health specialists to discuss the growing need for preventive, women-centric healthcare across every stage of life — from adolescence and motherhood to menopause and ageing.
India continues to face major women’s health challenges. According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), over 57% of Indian women aged 15–49, are anaemic, while lifestyle disorders, hormonal conditions, stress-related illnesses and delayed cancer detection are steadily rising in urban populations.
Dr. Anirban Biswas, Principal Director – Vertigo & Balance Disorders, Pacific OneHealth, said,
“Women often dismiss dizziness, imbalance and fatigue as ‘normal weakness’, especially during pregnancy, menopause or periods of stress. But symptoms like a persistent sinking sensation may indicate reduced blood supply to the brain and should never be ignored. In many cases, instability and balance disorders are among the earliest indicators of neurological decline, including early dementia.”
Dr Biswas further added, “Hormonal transitions significantly influence balance, cognition and emotional health, requiring integrated medical attention rather than isolated treatment approaches.”
The discussion focused strongly on preventive healthcare and the tendency among women to delay seeking medical help despite recurring symptoms.
Padma Shri Dr. Mohsin Wali, Senior Consultant – Internal Medicine, Pacific OneHealth, said,
“Women are the foundation of every family, yet they remain the most neglected when it comes to healthcare. Anaemia continues to be one of India’s biggest silent crises because women often compromise their own nutrition while caring for others. Lack of sleep, emotional stress and social pressure are also contributing to rising mental health concerns among women.”
Dr. Wali, further stressed,
“The importance of routine screenings such as mammograms, Pap smears, thyroid evaluation and PCOD monitoring, saying preventive healthcare must become a lifelong habit rather than a response to illness.”
The event also highlighted the growing burden of autoimmune and metabolic disorders among women.
Dr. G.S. Grewal, Director – Senior Care+ Programme, Pacific OneHealth, said,
“Healthy ageing for women begins much earlier than people realise. Simple lifestyle changes such as brisk walking, strength training, proper footwear and social engagement can significantly reduce physical decline and cognitive deterioration in later years. Prevention must become part of daily living.”
Experts also discussed the emotional burden carried by women, particularly the pressure to constantly prioritise others over themselves.
Dr. Aijaz Ilmi, Senior Consultant & Head – Preventive Wellness & Metabolic Diseases, Pacific OneHealth, said,
“Women undergo continuous hormonal and emotional transitions throughout life, but many still lack awareness about how deeply these changes affect overall health. We are also seeing significantly higher autoimmune vulnerability among women, especially thyroid disorders and inflammatory conditions. Healthcare systems must move beyond fragmented treatment models and focus on holistic, preventive and community-based care.”
Panellists repeatedly emphasised that women’s health should no longer be viewed only through the lens of disease treatment. Instead, they advocated a shift toward proactive wellness, emotional wellbeing, timely screening, and integrated care models.
The event concluded with a collective appeal encouraging women to prioritise regular health check-ups, mental wellness, physical activity and self-care — not as a luxury, but as an essential part of healthy living.