Bayer Pharmaceuticals, in collaboration with the Department of Health, Medical and Family Welfare of the Government of Andhra Pradesh, has inaugurated the first-ever Preserve the Uterus (PTU) Centres of Excellence in the state. The event, held at King George Hospital, marks a significant milestone in addressing the high rates of unnecessary hysterectomies in India.
The company in a press statement on Monday said that the initiative includes a training session for healthcare professionals from government institutions, including Victoria Hospital and district-level facilities, as well as ASHA workers.
The statement further informed that the PTU campaign, launched in April 2022, aims to tackle the widespread issue of unnecessary hysterectomies, primarily driven by heavy menstrual bleeding. The initiative seeks to provide healthcare professionals with knowledge about effective, non-surgical treatments and alternatives to this invasive procedure.
Shweta Rai, Managing Director India and Country Division Head South Asia at Bayer Pharmaceuticals praised the efforts of the Andhra Pradesh Government, saying, “Our Preserve the Uterus initiative has made a significant impact by educating doctors and informing women about alternative methods to treat heavy menstrual bleeding. We commend the Andhra Pradesh Government for addressing this critical issue and are confident that this public-private partnership will bring substantial benefits to the community.”
The National Family Health Survey-5 (2019-2021) highlights that the hysterectomy rate among women aged 30-39 years is 3.3 per cent nationally, with Andhra Pradesh having the highest rate at 8.7 per cent. This procedure not only escalates healthcare costs but is also linked to long-term health issues such as cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and mental health challenges.
P. Sivananda, Superintendent of King George Hospital, emphasised the importance of the training sessions, stating, “The Preserve The Uterus program is pivotal in reducing unnecessary hysterectomies and enhancing women’s health in Andhra Pradesh. By equipping healthcare professionals with the latest knowledge and skills, we aim to make hysterectomy a last resort for treating conditions like heavy menstrual bleeding.”
Priyankur Roy, Chairperson of the Public Awareness Committee of FOGSI, highlighted the benefits of the PTU training sessions, stating, “These sessions provide valuable insights into alternatives like LNG IUS for treating heavy menstrual bleeding, improving patient care and reducing reliance on hysterectomy.”
Jaydeep Tank, President of FOGSI, reiterated the organisation’s commitment to reducing unnecessary hysterectomies and enhancing healthcare practices. “Our collaboration with Bayer and the Andhra Pradesh Government is focused on preserving the uterus and improving women’s health. Increased awareness and better management of gynaecological disorders are key goals of this initiative,” he said.
Sandhya Devi, HOD of the Gynaecology Department at King George Hospital, expressed pride in the hospital being named a Centre of Excellence. “This program supports our efforts to offer effective treatments and address a crucial health issue in our community. We are committed to ongoing education and sharing our insights with the broader healthcare community.”
The PTU training sessions included comprehensive instructions on the use of LNG IUS and other treatment options, covering insertion techniques, patient criteria, and counselling strategies. The Centres of Excellence at King George Hospital will continue to provide resources for education and professional support, paving the way for potential expansion of the initiative to other states, the statement from the company added.
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