Many of us would vouch that our mothers have taken on the role of caregivers, as society always expects women to. But while women who make sacrifices and put themselves last are put on a pedestal, many others are made to feel unfoundedly guilty if they don’t do the same.
Several studies prove that the inclusion of women in medical research has been rather limited. This means that here we are, with a healthcare system and perception of women’s illnesses that are largely patriarchal.
In an anthology titled ‘Lore’ by Aaron Mahnke, several episodes show how women have been widely answerable and shamed for their health issues. Women are also often deemed as hysterical beings, and their pain and concerns are trivialised.
Disrupting the sexism in the field of healthcare, several femtech companies are ensuring women have access to medical security.
Image courtesy: Fortune Favours
Elda Health
Co-founded by Swathi Kulkarni, Elda Health aims to be the health companion of women above the age of 35. Be it menstrual problems or menopause, Elda Health offers a safe space for women to freely express themselves in communities, and seek counselling and specially curated health programs. This digital venture ensures women put their health first.
Image courtesy: Health Vision
Niramai Health Analytix
Founded by Geetha Manjunath, Niramai Health Analytix is a femtech company that enables the early detection of breast cancer using their software-based medical tools. Their breast cancer detection tool is portable, affordable and offers imaging without radiation, touch and pain. Since it helps in the early detection of the disease, the company aims at increasing the chances of survival among women. It can be especially beneficial in the treatment of women in rural areas, where due to the scarcity of female doctors and cultural aspects, many women end up not going for regular breast examinations.
Image courtesy: Business Insider India
Veera health
Sisters and co-founders Shashwata Narain and Shobhita Narain’s femtech startup, Veera Health, has been helping millions of women in India get treated efficiently for Polycystic Ovaries Syndrome (PCOS). Veera Health offers a digital platform with a plethora of doctors that help women with PCOS, including gynaecologists, mental health experts, nutritionists, dermatologists etc. What we really love about this app is the fact that it recognises the impact PCOS and the stigma related to it can have on one’s mental wellbeing—and offers a solution to minimise it.
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OoWomaniya
Co-founded by Krutika Katrat, OoWomaniya by Impetus Wellness is a digital platform that enables women to access medical professionals for both physical and psychological health concerns. It ensures women feel safe and not fear judgement while at it. In fact, OoWomaniya also conducts offline workshops and CSR projects on various women’s health concerns including intimate hygiene, menstrual health, prevention of sexual harassment and more.
Image courtesy: Forbes India
Periwinkle Technologies
Co-founded by Veena Moktali, Smart Scope and Net4Medix by Periwinkle technologies combine methods that help remote screening and diagnosis of conditions such as diabetes and cervical cancer. Combining telemedicine system with AI-enabled image assessment, their products can help detect abnormalities in a single visit to the doctor’s.
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