Strong women, stronger futures — Why caring for our health is a responsibility we all share

As a woman, I truly believe that we are the quiet strength behind so much of what keeps the world moving. Whether as mothers, daughters, professionals, leaders or caregivers, we support families, shape communities and help drive progress. In ways big and small, every single day, women give so much of themselves with remarkable resilience and grace.

It is time we recognise this extraordinary strength not just with gratitude but with commitment. A duty to ensure that the women who shoulder so many responsibilities are also supported and encouraged to prioritise their own well-being. Because when a woman is healthy, everyone around her benefits. Her family flourishes, her workplace thrives, and her community grows stronger. Women's health is not only a personal concern, it is a national imperative. Therefore, women must be mindful that to be healthy is not indulgence, it is duty.

Celebrating strength means prioritising well-being
India has made progress in women's health, but we must not let that progress hide the challenges that persist. The Apollo Health of Nation 2025 report highlights that among the women >55 years, 40% are diabetic, 40% are hypertensive, and 86% are obese or overweight. These conditions, many of which are preventable or reversible, represent more than medical concerns. They signal the urgent need for awareness, education, and proactive engagement.

We must also acknowledge the reality that 22% of people had multiple comorbidities even at young ages. This reveals not only gaps in access or affordability but perhaps more deeply, a culture where women hesitate to prioritise their own care.
Breast and cervical cancers remain two of the most pressing health concerns among women. The report shows that one in every four women who underwent screening showed signs suggestive of breast cancer risk. These are not abstract numbers, they represent lives, potential and promise—interrupted or altered simply because detection came too late. With accessible options like self-breast exams, clinical screenings and the HPV vaccine, we must do more to shift the focus from late-stage treatment to early prevention.

Health is physical, emotional and personal
When we speak about health, we must do so in its entirety. It is physical strength, yes, but also mental resilience and emotional balance. The emotional load that many women carry remains invisible. The stress of caregiving, the weight of expectations, and the pressure to endure silently are often dismissed or internalised, but in reality, the body keeps score.
The Health of Nation 2025 report found that 6% to 8% were depressed over the age groups. This is a wake-up call. It is no longer acceptable to overlook the mental and emotional dimensions of health. Investing in well-being means supporting access to mental health services, reducing stigma and creating space for women to prioritise themselves without guilt.

Everyday choices define lifelong outcomes
Small acts of self-care are not optional. They are the foundation of lifelong health. Daily habits like mindful eating, movement, rest, and regular check-ups are not luxuries, they are life-saving. The report shows that with the right kind of behavioural nudging, 47% decreased their weight, 51% decreased their BP, and 59% decreased their blood sugars.
The reality is that cardiovascular disease continues to be the leading cause of death among Indian women, yet it is frequently missed or misdiagnosed. The signs often present differently in women and are not always understood. This is why awareness matters. Prevention begins with knowledge, and knowledge must be shared widely and consistently.

Even more striking is the growing prevalence of silent conditions. The report notes that nearly 40 percent of women diagnosed with diabetes were previously unaware of their condition. This is not just about medicine. It is about how society views women’s time, their priorities, and their place in the healthcare journey.

Creating a culture where women come first
True change is not just about providing access to services. It is about shifting the narrative. We must create a culture where it is normal for women to put themselves first—not out of selfishness, but out of purpose. We need communities that uplift each other, health systems that respect women's time, and policies that invest in their well-being. It is pivotal that no woman should ever feel alone in her journey to good health.

Today, I invite every woman to take a moment to reflect on her own well-being, not because something is wrong, but because everything she does matters so deeply. I also urge institutions, leaders and families to ensure that every woman is given the space, support and resources to live a healthy and fulfilled life.

In a nation committed to women-led development, the health of women is not an isolated issue, it is the foundation on which families, communities and nations are built. Further, it is only when women are empowered to care for themselves that society can truly reach its full potential. Put simply, when women rise in health, society rises with them.

Dr. Preetha Reddy, Executive Vice Chairperson, Apollo Hospitals