Gender Inequality in Healthcare

Gender inequality in healthcare remains a significant issue in India, where women frequently encounter obstacles that hinder access to necessary care. These barriers stem from social norms, economic hardships, and inadequate health insurance coverage. This article explores the various manifestations of gender inequality in the healthcare system and examines potential solutions to address the problem.

Gender Disparities in Healthcare Access

• Socioeconomic Barriers Gender inequality in healthcare remains a critical issue in India, demanding immediate attention. Socioeconomic barriers significantly limit women’s access to healthcare. In resource-constrained families, healthcare for male members is often prioritized, leaving women and girls with inadequate medical care. This disparity is particularly severe in regions with limited healthcare infrastructure, where maternal mortality rates are higher, and access to family planning is restricted.
• Cultural and Societal Norms Cultural and societal norms further deepen gender inequalities in healthcare access. Traditional beliefs often compel women to prioritize their family’s needs over their own health, resulting in delayed or neglected medical treatment. Moreover, social stigmas surrounding certain health issues, particularly related to reproductive health, prevent women from seeking timely medical care.
• Impact on Women’s Health The intersection of socioeconomic barriers and cultural norms severely impacts women’s health. Women are more prone to untreated health conditions, leading to long-term complications. Addressing these disparities is essential not only for improving women’s well-being but also for fostering the country’s economic development.

A CASE STUDY: Delay in detection of breast cancer

At the age of 34, Amrita Singh faced the heartbreaking news that her breast cancer had advanced to stage 4, spreading to her liver, lungs, and skin. After spending two difficult years in Mumbai, often struggling without stable housing and limited financial resources, the doctors at Tata Memorial Hospital informed her that they had exhausted all treatment options. They advised her to return to Delhi and spend her remaining time with her family.

Amrita’s cancer was initially diagnosed at stage 3, but several factors, including her financial struggles, the Covid-19 pandemic, and the national lockdown, contributed to significant delays in her treatment, ultimately impacting the outcome. Even after reaching Tata Memorial Hospital, one of India’s leading cancer care centers, Amrita was unclear about the severity of her condition and the next steps she needed to take. This lack of understanding, combined with the challenges of navigating her treatment during a global pandemic, added to the difficulty of her situation.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in India, accounting for 26% of all cases and affecting approximately 200,000 women annually. Unfortunately, breast cancer is often detected in its advanced stages in India, leading to a much poorer prognosis compared to other countries. While the five-year survival rate for breast cancer ranges from 80%-90% in Western countries like the United States, Sweden, Japan, and Australia, and 76%-82% in Asian countries such as China, South Korea, Singapore, and Turkey, it stands at just 52% in India.

This means nearly half of the women diagnosed with breast cancer in India do not survive beyond five years. Furthermore, many women with cancer in India die young, often without adequate care and in worse financial conditions than before, as seen throughout their treatment journeys.

The report highlights that, regardless of geographical location or economic status, women are more likely than men to lack the knowledge and empowerment to make informed decisions about cancer care. Additionally, women are more prone to facing financial ruin due to cancer treatment, leading to severe consequences for their families, even when quality healthcare is available.

Although cancer incidence rates are similar for boys and girls, there is a noticeable gender bias in childhood cancer diagnoses, with boys being more frequently diagnosed than girls. A 2023 study conducted across three cancer centres and two population-based cancer registries revealed a disproportionately higher registration of cancer cases in boys compared to girls. This bias was more prominent in North India than in the South.

In Delhi, the sex ratio for cancer registration stood at two boys for every girl, whereas in Chennai, it was 1.44 boys for every girl. The study found that this male bias was evident at the point of registration or diagnosis, especially in private institutions, but not as pronounced during the treatment phase.

What could be the solution?

• Addressing gender inequality in healthcare requires community-based solutions that harness collaboration among various stakeholders. These efforts can lead to significant improvements in both access to and the quality of healthcare for women.
• Grassroots Initiatives Grassroots efforts are vital in combating gender disparities in healthcare. These initiatives engage local communities in identifying and resolving health challenges, particularly those affecting women. By tailoring solutions to the unique needs of women, grassroots initiatives create sustainable and effective change.
• Role of NGOs Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) play a key role in these community-driven efforts. They provide essential resources, education, and support to women, guiding them through the healthcare system. Additionally, NGOs advocate for policy reforms that promote equitable access to healthcare.
• Success Stories and Key Takeaways There are numerous examples of successful community-based interventions. In some regions, community health workers have been trained to deliver basic healthcare services, significantly improving health outcomes for women. These successes underline the importance of measuring shifts in societal norms to track progress in gender equality. Lessons learned from these initiatives can be adapted and applied in other regions to replicate their impact.

The gender disparity in healthcare in India remains a critical concern, demanding immediate action. Despite ongoing efforts to enhance access to health insurance, women continue to encounter significant obstacles in receiving adequate medical care. Various studies reveal that gender inequality in healthcare not only impacts women’s health but also has far-reaching social and economic consequences.

To close this gap, a multifaceted approach is necessary—one that includes policy reforms, enhanced training for healthcare professionals, and a cultural shift in societal perceptions of gender roles. Only by confronting these challenges directly can India move towards achieving genuine gender equality in healthcare.

The End of the Blog: Gender Inequality in Healthcare