Kolkata/Hyderabad: The Endometriosis Foundation of India has flagged the urgent need to have more endometriosis medical professionals in the country.

The foundation, which was started with the aim of creating awareness and providing helping hands among the general public about the disease, is submitting a proposal to the state and central governments along with medical institutes expressing concern over the absence of enough specialists in the field.

On average 1 in 10 women suffers from Endometriosis and a total of over 42 million women in India are presently suffering from this condition.

WHO norms say the doctor-patient ratio should be in the range of 1: 1000.

While registered allopathic doctors and 5.65 lakh AYUSH doctors, the doctor-population ratio in the country is 1:834.

However, India just has just a handful of doctors who can perform endometriosis excision surgeries.

Dr. Vimee Bindra Founder Endometrioses Foundation of India said Endometriosis is a significant yet underdiagnosed and underfunded medical condition affecting millions of women. It is a chronic condition affecting approximately 10% of women of reproductive age worldwide, which translates to millions of women in India alone.

"Despite its prevalence, endometriosis remains underdiagnosed, often misunderstood, and inadequately addressed within the Indian healthcare system," she said.

The purpose of this representation through a proposal is to outline a comprehensive plan for creating awareness about endometriosis and improving the diagnosis, treatment, and support for women affected by the condition in India over the next five years and emphasizing the need to create more facilities for Endometriosis specialization in medical institutes and to have many more endometriosis specialists to treat the staggering patients, she added.

Our proposal among others includes a comprehensive National Endometriosis Awareness and Action Plan aimed at enhancing public awareness, improving early detection and diagnosis, and providing better support and treatment options for those affected. The five-year plan comprises public awareness campaigns, educational initiatives, capacity-building measures, research and development, and partnerships with stakeholders.

The current state of endometriosis care in India is insufficient to address the magnitude of the issue. Therefore, the proposed plan's successful implementation will improve the quality of life for countless women and contribute to the overall progress of India's healthcare system.

Endometriosis is estimated to affect 1 in 10 individuals of reproductive age, making it as common as diabetes. However, due to under diagnosis and misdiagnosis, it can often take an average of 7 to 10 years for an individual to receive a correct diagnosis.