Beyond the Obstetric Cage: An Integrated Health Promotion Approach for Women's Noncommunicable Diseases, Mental Health, and Violence in India

Beyond the Obstetric Cage: Integrated Women's Health

Abstract

Background: India's womens health Strategy remains predominantly anchored to and Childbirth, a narrow approach termed the "obstetric cage." Once women pass their peak reproductive gears, noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), common mental disorders, and gender based violence receive inadequate programmatic attention. Material & Methods: Drawing on national health surveys, policy guidelines, and implementation evidence, we propose Sampoorna Mahila Swasthya (Whole Woman Health), a life-
course primary healthcare framework designed for Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres (HWCS). Results: The framework rests on three operational pillars: unified multi-condition risk screening at routine adult visits, stepped care with structured referral pathways, and community-based health promotion through peer circles (Mahila Swasthya Sakhis). The model is supported by frontline task-sharing, digital decision support tools, and pooled flexible financing. Conclusions: Rather than creating vertical SILOS, this approach reorganizes existing HWC resources around the woman across her life course. Multi-state pilot evaluations should precede national scale-up.