New Delhi, January 12, 2023: The Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India (FOGSI) concluded the ‘Run for Gender Equality’ (SAMANTA) campaign at India Gate, New Delhi featuring participation from doctors and nurses across the city. The initiative, focused on raising awareness about gender equality, anaemia, bone diseases and RH immunisation, resonated nationwide, receiving an enthusiastic response from both the medical community and citizens. The campaign, supported by hundred thousands of people pan India, successfully brought the country together in addressing cr

itical health issues.

The yatra comprises three phases, originating respectively from the west, north, and east regions of the country. In the West, it covered Mumbai, Pune, Nasik, Baroda, Ahmedabad, Surat, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Rewari, and Gurgaon. In the North, the cities of Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Chandigarh, Ambala and Rohtak, were captured. In the final leg, the run covered Cuttack, Sambhalpur, Bilaspur, Raipur, Jabalpur, Gwalior, Jhansi, Mathura and Faridabad.

The closing ceremony included prominent FOGSI members from across India to spread awareness about the women reproductive health issues. Some of the stalwarts included Dr Hrishikesh Pai, President, FOGSI, Dr Madhuri Patel, Secretary General, FOGSI; Dr Nandita Palshetkar, National Coordinator, FOGSI, Dr Alka Pandey, Vice President, FOGSI; Dr Asha Baxi, Vice President, FOGSI; Dr Geetendra Sharma, Vice President, FOGSI; Dr S Sampath Kumari, Vice President, FOGSI; Dr Niranjan Chavan, Jt. Treasurer, FOGSI; and senior leaders from Bharat Serum and Vaccines Limited.

Speaking at the ceremony, Dr Hrishikesh Pai, President FOGSI and & Trustee FIGO Asia Oceania (International Federation of Gynaecology) said, “Empowering women through awareness and knowledge, and encouraging the medical sector stakeholders, was the primary goal of the ‘Run for Gender Equality’ campaign. As a nationwide initiative held in 28 cities, this has been a step forward in facilitating well informed health decisions, and building an equitable society in India. This endeavour underscores our commitment to addressing women’s reproductive health challenges.”

Anaemia is the underlying cause or contributing factor for 20%-40% of maternal deaths in India. About 45.7% of pregnant women in urban areas and 52.1% in rural areas have haemoglobin levels <11 g/dl.1 Another specific challenge that exists in our country today is the significant number of Rh-negative pregnant mothers who are at risk while delivering Rh positive babies. India accounts for about 13.5 lakh Rh negative pregnant mothers (estimated figures) who are at risk while delivering Rh positive babies. The 28-city ‘Run for Gender Equality’ campaign aimed at bringing the country together by spreading awareness for specific medical conditions such as anaemia and Rh incompatibility during pregnancies. The campaign was inaugurated on 25th November, 2023 at the FEMMTEK -IV FOGSI Presidential Conference in Mumbai. The highly successful campaign witnessed strong participation from doctors as well as citizens from various cities across India. There is a massive and urgent need to educate people on conditions such as anaemia, and Rh incompatibility during pregnancy. The strong participation from doctors and citizens alike is a step forward in realizing the vision of building a healthier, anaemia-free India where the wellness of every mother and child will be ensured.