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March 8, 2025 – The Ayushman Bharat initiative, the Government of India’s flagship healthcare scheme, has made significant strides in promoting gender equity in healthcare, according to public health experts who spoke on International Women’s Day 2025.
Observed annually on March 8, International Women’s Day this year embraces the theme: ‘For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.’
“Ayushman Bharat is commendably advancing gender equity in healthcare, with women constituting 49 percent of Ayushman cardholders and 48 percent of hospital admissions,” stated Poonam Muttreja, Executive Director of the Population Foundation of India, in an interview with IANS.
Muttreja highlighted the scheme’s achievements in facilitating health screenings for women, noting that 14.9 crore women have been screened for cervical cancer and 10 crore for breast cancer. “It is remarkable,” she said, while also acknowledging persistent challenges. She emphasized the need for greater investments and improved implementation to enhance healthcare access for women.
“To ensure every woman benefits, we need greater investments and better implementation to improve access, gender-responsive service delivery, and comprehensive reproductive health support, particularly in remote rural and marginalized communities,” she added.
Dr. Suneeta Reddy, Managing Director of Apollo Hospitals, also acknowledged the significant progress made in advancing women’s rights globally since 1995. However, she stressed the need for continued efforts to break down systemic barriers that prevent women and girls from realizing their full potential.
“Empowering the next generation is paramount. They are the catalysts for lasting change and must be equipped with the rights, resources, and opportunities to lead and shape the future,” Dr. Reddy stated.
She urged strategic investments in initiatives promoting gender equality, emphasizing that such measures “will help ensure that no girl is left behind.”
Dr. Reddy also called on women leaders to leverage their influence to create a lasting legacy of empowerment and equality for future generations.
Disclaimer: This article is based on expert opinions and publicly available information. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, readers are encouraged to consult official sources and healthcare professionals for further details.
