Developing an equitable and gender sensitive health system for women of reproductive age

ABSTRACT

Differentials in access, control and choice of resources including health has rendered women as vulnerable segment of many societies though developing, yet conservative. The resultant implications on health are also veritably different. Women's health is a blend of physical, emotional, social, cultural and spiritual well being. However, deplorably functioning health sector, lack of appropriate training for health care providers, negative cultural practices and poverty are amongst multiple factors that have a perilous impact on the status of the women. Investing in women has become an international concern and an effective conduit to improve the indicators of women health. This paper discusses issues around women health, health seeking behaviours, gender sensitization of health providers, performance of health services and role of family physicians. Gender influences health seeking behaviour and health service utilization; and socio-cultural and religious customs reinforce these behaviours. If sensitized and mobilized to address the gender specific needs of women clients; family physicians can ensure quality, effective and affordable services for women in the health care system. Pakistan is trying to cope with a daunting challenge of developing an equitable and gender-sensitive health system that could address the basic and special needs of women, especially those of reproductive age. A respectable women's health status would be achieved through the empowerment of the fair sex, by augmenting their access to socio-culturally appropriate health care services. In a polarized healthcare system with a variety of formal and non-formal health services available and accessible to all, family medicine have a vital role to play in research, service provision and advocacy for women's health