Srinagar, Mar 25: In response to a recent debate on the matter, doctors in Jammu and Kashmir have proposed several measures to address the issue of anaemia among women. Medical experts have noted that women in the region face this common problem at various stages of life.
According to Dr. Rifat Ara, Head of the Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics at SKIMS Medical College and Hospital in Bemina, Srinagar, anaemia can have various causes, including nutritional deficiencies of iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid, as well as excessive menstruation and frequent pregnancies. She emphasized that anaemia should not be taken lightly and requires proper treatment before it worsens.
She urged women to seek proper treatment and follow family planning measures with the help of a professional to prevent unwanted pregnancies and the potentially dangerous consequences of criminal or septic abortion.
“During pregnancy, as a woman undergoes several physical and hormonal changes, she should receive social support from her husband and other family members in order to keep herself and her baby healthy,” the senior gynaecologist said.
“Her mental health demands equal attention as her physical health does. Regular antenatal check-up’s should be made, and proper diet, immunization, supplemental intake of iron, calcium, folic acid must be ensured in accordance with her respective doctor,” she said.
Dr. Sheikh Mohd Saleem, MD Community Medicine and a public health expert, added that anaemia is a common problem among women in Jammu and Kashmir and can result from poor diet, blood loss, hookworm infestation, lack of access to healthcare, and other factors.
He emphasized the need to promote proper nutrition, provide access to healthcare facilities, and increase awareness about anaemia and its causes. Treatment options include iron and vitamin supplements, blood transfusions, and dietary changes.
Dr. Saleem also highlighted the importance of lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, and managing stress.
It is pertinent to note that the Ministry of Statistics and Program Implementation (MoSPI) recently released a report showing that 66% of women in Jammu and Kashmir have anaemia, including 25% with mild anaemia, 38% with moderate anaemia, and 3% with severe anaemia. Anaemia is a serious global public health problem that particularly affects young children and pregnant women, with WHO estimating that 42% of children under 5 years of age and 40% of pregnant women worldwide are anaemic.
