Looking presentable is an inherent right of every woman, however, this must not be done at the cost of health and protection against different viral and fungal diseases, said doctors at a seminar organised to commemorate “International Women Day,” at Sobhraj Maternity Hospital on Saturday.
Women on the occasion were also urged not to under estimate their importance as a home-maker in the family and extend due respect to themselves as this was crucial to get their status registered by the entire family.
“You can not and must not compromise your health by ignoring your own well being,” said the doctors addressing women of all age groups, along with student nurses and medical students attending the programme. They were also advised to re-assert themselves in procuring due status for their daughters ensuring that their rights to food, education and health are at par with their brothers.
“This is also high time that you must realise that childhood marriage of your daughter is enhancing her vulnerability to serious health conditions,” said Dr Shabnam Shamim, senior gynaecologist associated with Abbasi Shaheed Hospital.
The programme with the theme reproductive health and protection against cancers was addressed by senior gynaecologists Dr Shabeen Naz Masood, Dr, Shabnam Shamim, Dr Hooria Shehzad, Dr Ghizala Rehman and diabetologist Dr Fariha Tahir.
Director, Medical Services, Karachi Metropolitan Corporation, Dr Kausar Parveen was the chief guest with Fauzia Siddiqui as guest of honor on the occasion.
Speakers also suggested inclusion of vaccine to protect girls and women against cervical cancer in the national immunization programme. They said parents must also see that their daughter aged between nine years to 25 years were vaccinated against the ailment as vaccination is always cost effective as compared to treatment of the diseases and above all protects against unwarranted suffering. This is important as Pakistan is registered to have seventh highest incidence rate of cervical cancer in the world, said Dr Shabeen Naz Masood, a senior gynaecologist and Medical Superintendent of Sobhraj Maternity Hospital.
As for importance of screening against the cancer, she said all married women below 50 must repeatedly be screened against the infection every three years while those aged above 50 and 65 every five years. About screening of breast cancer, she said this must be mandatory for all women above 40 years.
Clotting after meno-pause, severe pain after intimate promiscuity, excessive bleeding, vaginal discharge with foul smell, constant pain in lower limbs were identified as the symptoms that must not be ignored by any woman.
Dr. Fareeha Tahir from Baqai Institute of Diabetology said women must necessarily get themselves screened for diabetes as timely diagnosis and intervention can not only guarantee quality life for themselves but also protect children born to them against serious health conditions as diabetes itself, heart ailments and even cancers.